Iraq cancels Ramadan celebrations following bomb attack

By Haydar Hadi

BAGHDAD, Iraq

Iraq canceled celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan on Monday, following a terror attack that killed more than 200 people in Baghdad.

“We will not make a celebration in this year's Mubarak Ramadan festival due to respect for our martyrs and injured,” President Fuad Masum said in a statement.

He called on the security forces to increase anti-terror measures and called for the return of parliament after Eid al-Fitr.

On Sunday, 204 people were killed in a bomb attack in Al-Karada. Another attack also hit the city’s Al-Shaab, leaving five dead.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the Al-Karada attack and three days of national mourning were announced.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan phoned Masum to offer an eid greeting and repeat his condolences.