Iraq's al-Qaida claims responsibility for Thursday deadly attacks

Baghdad, Apr 21 (Xinhua-ANI): Al-Qaida militant group in Iraq on Saturday claimed responsibility for a series of deadly bomb and gunfire attacks across Iraq on Thursday which killed up to 43 people and wounded some 155.

The self-styled Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), al-Qaida front in the country, confirmed in a statement posted on an Islamic website that its fighters carried out coordinated attacks to hit military and managing centers for the Iraqi Shi'ite-dominated government and its allies from Sunnis.

"This campaign is the beginning of what is waiting for them in the coming days with God willing, and is part of a blessed series (of attacks) that has been launched and won't stop," the statement said.

The authenticity of the statement could not be immediately verified.

On Thursday, up to 43 people were killed and some 155 wounded in a wave of coordinated bomb and gunfire attacks that hit six Iraqi provinces mostly targeted Iraqi security forces.

Observers see that the attacks apparently were an attempt by insurgent groups to destabilize the country and undermine confidence in the Iraqi government.

Violence and sporadic high profile attacks are still common in Iraqi cities despite the dramatic decrease of violence over the past few years. (Xinhua-ANI)