Security ordered tightened as death toll in Baghdad hits 157

Iraq’s Interior Minister Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban said that he had submitted his resignation following the devastating suicide bomb attack in central Baghdad on Sunday, July 3, 2016. In May, over 90 people were killed in ISIS attacks there, CNN says. A suicide bomber was preparing for the attack on a parking lot opposite the consulate when he was spotted by security officers who approached the man.

Deadly attacks in four countries linked to Islamic State show the limitations of US -led efforts to loosen the group’s grip in Syria and Iraq, and the challenge of stopping attacks that are not only globally dispersed but very different in their choice of targets, current and former USA officials said.

A spokesman for the Obama administration said the US was working with the Saudi authorities to collect more information and confirmed that “all personnel under chief-of-mission authority are accounted for at this time”.

Mourners carry the Iraqi flag-draped coffin of, Akram Hadi, 24, in a Sunday massive truck bomb attack in the Karada neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, July 5, 2016.

Twin suicide bombings have killed at least 80 people in Baghdad, and ISIS claims it’s behind the one that killed the most people. reports AFP news agency. The Ministry of Interior’s website was hacked and a picture of a bloodied baby was posted along with a bomb detector bearing the Islamic State’s markings – making the point that the fake wands aid only those intent on killing civilians.

A girl walks past the site after a suicide auto bomb attack at the shopping area of Karrada, a largely Shi’ite district, in Baghdad, Iraq, July 4, 2016.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility, saying it had targeted Shiite Muslims.

“As we’ve said from the start, we will not eliminate ISIL’s ability to carry out terrorist attacks”.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced efforts to address longstanding flaws in Baghdad security measures following the blast, which came a week after Iraqi forces recaptured the city of Fallujah from IS. More than 80 percent of them were younger than 30, he said, as the area is a popular gathering place for young people. Since past year the insurgents have been losing ground to US-backed Iraqi government forces and Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias.

The bombing follows attacks in Turkey and Bangladesh over the past week that many have linked to the Islamic State.

A few minutes later, a second attack was reported in the coastal city of Qatif in eastern Saudi Arabia.

The ministry said it wanted families bereaved in the bombing to know “that their brothers in the justice ministry are continuing to deliver just punishment to those whose hands are stained with the blood of Iraqis”.

He now has resigned and says a deputy would take over his responsibilities.