Suicide bomber strikes Iraq mosque, kills at least 12 people

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber hit a Shiite mosque in eastern Baghdad, killing at least 12 people.

A police officer says the bomber blew up his explosives-laden vest among worshippers as they were leaving the mosque after noon prayers in the New Baghdad area. He added that at least 26 other people were wounded.

A medical official confirmed the causality figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information.

Since early this year, Iraq has been facing a growing Sunni insurgency with the Islamic State group and allied Sunni militants who have taken over areas in the country's west and north.

The crisis has worsened since June when the group declared an Islamic state, or caliphate, in territory under its control.