BAGHDAD, May 16 (UPI) -- At least 14 people died in a series of suicide bombings at a gas factory near Baghdad claimed by the Islamic State.
At least 20 people were wounded in the Sunday attacks. Victims included factory workers and members of the Iraqi security forces. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombings.
The assault began when three car bombs detonated at the gate of the gas plant in Taji, about 12 miles north of Baghdad, which was followed by six men wearing explosive belts who detonated three gas tanks, according to Iraqi officials.
The Islamic State has increased suicide bombings in Iraq as a strategy shift following significant battlefield defeats at the hands of Iraqi security forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga, aided by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes.
Sunday's attack follows Islamic State attacks in Baghdad on Wednesday that killed at least 93 people. At least 33 people died on May 1 when the Islamic State detonated two car bombs in the southern city of Samawa.
