An armed attack on civilians in Balad Ruz, located in Iraq’s eastern Diyala province, left at least 11 people dead and 14 injured. The victims were returning from a campaign event when the violence unfolded on Thursday.
Police sources cited by the Iraqi news portal Shafaq described an attack in which unidentified assailants detonated two explosive devices and then opened fire on a vehicle carrying civilians. Early reports indicated the assault targeted the relatives of MP Salá Zaini al Tamimi, though investigators have not publicly confirmed a definitive motive.
In the aftermath, Diala Governorate police announced a state of alert as security officials worked to assess the scene and stabilize the area. The number of fatalities increased as medical teams reported additional casualties among the injured. Initial tallies had put the death toll at nine with sixteen wounded, but updated figures reflect the harsher reality of the incident.
This incident marks the second major security event in Diyala governorate in relatively quick succession, following a separate attack on a security post in which an Iraqi Army captain was killed. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and to bolster security measures in the region as residents cope with the shock of renewed violence.