Al Askari Mosque Targeted in Second Bombing
June 13th, 2007
June 13th, 2007
How Long Ago?
17 years, 9 months, 2 days ago
Location
Samarra, Iraq
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Iraq War
Links & References
Tags
Al Askari Mosque Targeted in Second Bombing
A car bomb exploded near the Al Askari Mosque in Samarra, Iraq, causing significant damage to the structure. The attack occurred amid rising sectarian tensions in the country, drawing international condemnation for the targeting of religious sites. Security forces responded quickly, but the impact further underscored the vulnerability of key cultural and religious landmarks in the region. Prior to this incident, the mosque had been targeted in a major bombing in 2006, which had devastating effects on Iraqi society and contributed to sectarian violence.
Second bombing of Al Askari Mosque since 2006
The mosque is a significant Shia religious site
Attack heightened sectarian tensions in Iraq
International condemnation followed the bombing
What Happened?
The Al Askari Mosque, located in Samarra, Iraq, was bombed by a car bomb on June 13, 2007, marking the second time the sacred site had been attacked. The mosque, also known as the Samarra Mosque, had already suffered considerable damage during a previous bombing in February 2006, which destroyed its iconic golden dome and sparked widespread sectarian violence across Iraq. The bombing in 2007 targeted the remnants of the mosque, as tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims continued to escalate amidst the backdrop of the Iraq War and an erosion of security in the region. The bomb detonated near the mosque, causing further destruction and leaving the surrounding area in chaos. The event was emblematic of the ongoing strife in Iraq, where places of worship were often caught in the crossfire of political and sectarian violence. This attack was particularly significant due to the symbolic importance of the mosque as a Shia holy site, and its continuous targeting reflected broader issues facing Iraq since the invasion in 2003.
Why Does it Matter?
The bombing of the Al Askari Mosque for the second time significantly intensified the sectarian divide in Iraq, illustrating the ongoing conflict and the vulnerability of cultural heritage. The attack drew international attention to the plight of religious minorities and highlighted the urgent need for peace and stability in the country. It served as a reminder of the destructive potential of sectarianism in conflict zones.
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