BAGHDAD, Iraq – An explosion occurred in a building within the Sheik Abdel Kader mosque compound at approximately 6 p.m. May 7 in Rusafa, a neighborhood of east Baghdad.
According to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division, the bomb exploded, causing a fire.
The Iraqi fire department responded and began suppressing the fire when firefighters noticed an improvised explosive device inside the mosque.
The Iraqi police explosive ordinance disposal team arrived at the mosque to clear the holy site of bombs and bomb making materials. The team dismantled six IEDs.
Initial reports indicate that two terrorists were wounded and another one was killed in the blast.
Iraqi army officials are engaging local leaders to gain more information about the mosque and activities occurring there.
