Context
Al Qaida in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the spate of bomb attacks across Baghdad which led to numerous deaths and injuries.
The self-styled Islamic State of Iraq said in a statement that the attacks were meant to support the Sunnis incarcerated in the Shiite-dominated country, and to avenge the execution of Sunni prisoners by the government.
The statement could not be verified, and on the day, bomb attacks ripped across Baghdad. The deadliest bomb blast occurred in Karradah district, killing 46 and injuring 23 people.
The attack came amid growing tensions between leading Shiite and the Sunni leaders in the aftermath of US troop withdrawal from Iraq.
