Suicide bomber kills three in Iraq capital

A police spokesman earlier reported the blast without giving a casualty toll or details on whether it was an explosive device or a suicide bombing.

BAGHDAD // A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in central Baghdad on Tuesday morning, killing at least three people, security and medical officials said.

The bomber targeted workers gathered at Tayaran Square, also wounding at least 22 people, according to the officials.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but suicide bombings are frequently carried out by ISIL, which overran large areas in 2014 but has since lost significant ground.

While suicide bombings are relatively common in Iraq, they have recently targeted areas outside Baghdad or neighbourhoods on the outer edge of the capital that are easier for militants to access.

* Agence France-Presse