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Iraqi forces make arrests over Diyala bombing

The Iraqi Interior Ministry says security forces have made a number of arrests over a deadly car bomb attack in Diyala.

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People search through the rubble of buildings in the aftermath of a massive car bomb attack carried out by the Takfiri ISIL terrorist group in the town of Khan Bani Sa’ad, Diyala Province, near the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, July 18, 2015. (AFP photo)

The Iraqi Interior Ministry says security forces in the country have made a number of arrests following a deadly car bomb attack in the eastern province of Diyala, which killed at least 115 people.

Iraqi Interior Minister Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban said on Sunday that the individuals arrested are being interrogated and will be taken to court over the deadly incident.

There have been no further details on the arrests.

Women and children were also among the fatalities from the car bomb explosion, which was carried out at a market in the center of Khan Bani Sa’ad, a city located about 30 kilometers (12 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad, on Friday.

The deadly attack was claimed by the Takfiri ISIL terrorists.

Dozens of people were also injured in the terrorist attack that targeted people celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting holy month of Ramadan.

The Iraqi government has announced three days of national mourning following the deadly blast, with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi condemning the attack as a "despicable crime" and vowing that the army backed by volunteer forces will continue fighting the terrorists to push them out of the country.

On Saturday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the deadly attack as a "heinous crime," expressing hope that the perpetrators of the deadly bombing will be brought to justice swiftly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered condolences to the Iraqi government and nation on the deadly incident.

ISIL currently controls parts of Iraq and Syria, where they have been committing heinous crimes against all communities.