Khan Beni Saad, located 50 kilometers north of Baghdad in Iraq, was the site of a tragic incident on Saturday evening. An explosive device went off at a checkpoint, resulting in the death of one Iraqi Sunni fighter and causing injuries to at least six others, according to security officials.
The Iraqi Security Media Cell, which is responsible for disseminating security information to the public and media, reported that two explosive devices were detonated at the checkpoint. Initially, the organization stated that one person had died, and four others had sustained minor injuries in the attack.
Conflicting reports have emerged from various medical and security sources regarding the number of casualties and the circumstances of the attack. Reuters spoke to three sources familiar with the situation, who claimed that the explosion claimed the lives of five Iraqi soldiers and two fighters from Sahwa, a Sunni tribal militia supportive of the government in Baghdad. Additionally, a non-combatant civilian was also reported to have been killed in the blast.
As of Sunday, no group or individual had claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the ongoing security challenges faced by Iraqi forces and the vulnerability of checkpoints to such devastating attacks.
Authorities are conducting investigations to determine the perpetrators behind the explosion and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by security forces and civilians in a region plagued by instability and violence. Efforts to enhance security measures and protect vulnerable communities remain a top priority for the Iraqi government.