I condemn this cowardly act of terrorism in the strongest possible terms. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the many innocent people who were injured.

This attack in the Iraqi capital Baghdad – and the many bomb attacks that strike cities and provinces in Iraq on an almost daily basis, claiming the lives of innocent people – shows us once again what a ruthless, inhuman and brutal terrorist organisation ISIS is.

Prime Minister Al-Abadi’s Government has the solidarity and support of the German Government in its fight against ISIS and its endeavours to reform the political system in Iraq in order to destroy the breeding ground for terrorism.