Terror attack in Iraq: 7 killed in Baghdad mall, hostages taken; ISIS gunmen behind assault

Iraqi security forces have cordoned off the region. The 'Jawahar' mall is located in eastern part of the city. The region is dominated by Shiite Muslims, who are the primary target of the Islamic State militants.

Written by: Mohammed Uzair Shaikh

Updated: January 11, 2016, 10:16 PM IST

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Baghdad, Jan 11: Major terror strike is reported from the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Gunmen allegedly affiliated to Islamic State (ISIS) took over a mall in Baghdad, killing at least 7 civilians. Dozens of people in the mall have been taken as hostage. Security forces have rushed to the spot. Ambush with the militants is currently underway.

The terror attack is the first major strike made by ISIS in the Iraqi capital. After losing their control from Tikrit, the Islamic State militants made their first major strike in the war-torn nation. Baghdad, was up till now considered to be safe from the clutches of Islamic extremists. However, the major attack has exposed the vulnerability of the governmental controlled region of Iraq. (ALSO READ: Indian-origin terrorist ready to die for ISIS: Sister)

#BREAKING Seven killed as gunmen take hostages in Baghdad mall: police

— AFP news agency (@AFP) January 11, 2016

Iraqi security forces have cordoned off the region. The mall is located in eastern part of the city. The region is dominated by Shiite Muslims, who are the primary target of the ISIS militants. The mall, named as Jawahar, is visited by hundreds of Shiite Muslims daily.

Earlier in the day, a car was exploded by ISIS, killing 3 men and injuring more than 27 people. The blast took place in Baquba, 65 km (40 miles) northeast from Baghdad.