UN condemns deadly Iraq attacks

The United Nations mission in Iraq today strongly condemned the wave of attacks that started yesterday in the Middle Eastern country, killing dozens and injuring many more. "I strongly condemn the heinous attacks and the senseless violence and bloodshed across the country," the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative, Gyorgy Busztin, in a news release from the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). "The scale and brutality of the attacks are appalling – especially now, when Iraqis are not only celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, with its messages of peace and reconciliation, but are also welcoming thousands of returnees who have fled the ongoing violence in Syria," he added. According to media reports, a coordinated string of bombings and shooting in 13 cities, including Baghdad, the capital, killed at least 91 people and injured nearly 200 more, targeting security forces and Government officials. "The criminals who perpetrated these attacks must be held to account," Busztin said.