Massive car bomb kills 47 in western Baghdad

By Amir al-Saadi

BAGHDAD

At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others injured on Thursday when a massive car bomb went off in western Baghdad, according to an Iraqi federal police officer.

The attack targeted a car dealership in Baghdad’s western Al-Bayaa neighborhood, Police Lieutenant Yasser Basem told Anadolu Agency.

Turkey strongly condemned the attack.

"We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives [and a] speedy recovery to the wounded," a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said.

"Turkey will continue to support our Iraqi brothers in their fight against terrorism," it added.

The bombing comes one day after a similar car-bomb attack in Baghdad’s eastern Sadr City suburb -- which also targeted a car dealership -- that left 12 people dead.

While no group has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s deadly bombing, the Iraqi authorities typically blame the Daesh terrorist group for such attacks.