A car bombing claimed by the Islamic State group struck a bustling commercial area of central Baghdad overnight, killing at least 12 civilians, Iraqi officials said on Tuesday. The Karradah disaster put the Iraqi government under pressure to improve security in the capital and to rein in corruption. The militants set fire to a number of oil wells around Qaraya, first in an attempt to thwart airstrikes and then, when they withdrew, to leave behind a ruined prize. Black smoke is still billowing from burning oil wells while safe drinking water, electricity and medical services "remain nearly impossible to access," WFP said. The Iraqi government is now gearing up for a major offensive to retake the northern city of Mosul from IS.

Source: ABC News September 06, 2016 07:12 UTC