A car bomb exploded near a city market killing at least seven people and wounding 48 more in eastern Kirkuk, 180 miles north of Baghdad, Aug. 10.After the blast, the Kirkuk provincial council chairman, Rizgar Ali Hamajan visited the market site and issued an official statement condemning the attack and asking for unity from the people. "We ask our citizens in Kirkuk from all the ethnicities and religions to stand side by side and remain united against the terrorists to defeat them," said Hamajan.
The explosion in the al-Hurriyah market occurred around 12:18 p.m. and destroyed several parked cars and damaged at least 25 shops in the area.
Iraqi Police from the Emergency Services Unit and a U.S. patrol from the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division responded to the blast and secured the site. An explosive ordnance team inspected the blast site and estimated that more than 100 pounds of explosives were used in the car bomb.
Coalition Forces and Iraqi Police have been working together to identify methods to protect market places and other populated areas in the city. In a joint effort, concrete barriers have been erected in several markets throughout the city, and operations are ongoing to protect the population. "Security for the people remains our number one concern," said Lt. Col. Sam Whitehurst, commander for the 2-35 infantry battalion. "We are unwavering in our commitment to the people of the province and continue to work with the Iraqi Security Forces to enhance security measures in the city."