Baghdad – A roadside bomb detonated in a bustling commercial district in Kirkuk on Saturday, injuring four individuals, according to local police sources.

The attack occurred in the heart of the northern Iraqi oil city, which has experienced a surge in violence amid ongoing security challenges. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by chaos as emergency services rushed to the scene.

The injured were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, though their conditions remain unspecified. Police have cordoned off the area as they begin an investigation into the bombing, which has not yet been claimed by any group.

This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence in Kirkuk and surrounding areas. Earlier in the week, an ambush on an army convoy southwest of the city resulted in the deaths of four Iraqi soldiers, with three others sustaining injuries.

This attack was claimed by the remnants of the Islamic State (Daesh) militants, who continue to pose a threat despite their territorial defeat in Iraq in 2017.

Local authorities and security experts have noted that Daesh has transitioned to a strategy of sporadic and targeted attacks, relying on small groups to carry out hit-and-run operations against Iraqi security forces.

The group has been known to exploit the region’s complex ethnic and political landscape, further complicating efforts to restore lasting peace.

Kirkuk, which has a diverse population of Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen, remains a flashpoint for conflict, particularly over issues related to control of oil resources and governance. The city’s strategic importance, combined with its historical tensions, has made it a recurring target for violence.

Security forces have been on high alert in recent months, as the Iraqi government strives to maintain stability in the face of sporadic attacks.

Local police have increased patrols and checkpoints throughout Kirkuk in response to the recent violence, aiming to deter further incidents and reassure the community.

Community leaders have expressed concern over the safety of residents and the impact of ongoing violence on the local economy.

Business owners in the commercial district targeted on Saturday worry that repeated attacks could deter customers and investors, crippling economic recovery efforts in the region.

The Iraqi government has called for unity among its security forces to combat the ongoing threat posed by Daesh. Officials emphasize the importance of intelligence-sharing and coordination among various military branches to enhance operational effectiveness against militant groups.

As the situation in Kirkuk remains tense, residents are left grappling with the fear of violence in their daily lives.

Many express frustration with the government’s inability to provide a secure environment, citing the need for more robust security measures and community support initiatives to foster resilience against extremist threats.

The recent bombings serve as a stark reminder that despite significant gains made against Daesh in recent years, the group’s remnants continue to endanger the lives of Iraqis, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

The international community remains watchful, recognizing the implications of Iraq’s security situation for broader regional stability.