64, including 4 Shiite militias, die in Iraq bomb attack

Extremists attacked a mosque in Diyala province of Iraq during Friday prayers killing at least 64 people and injuring scores. It was not immediately clear if the attack was carried out by the insurgents of the Islamic State group or Shiite militiamen. The Islamic State extremists have already overrun large swaths of Iraq killing hundreds of civilians, mostly Shiites, Christians and the members of other non-Sunni communities. The attack on Musab bin Omair Mosque at Imam Wais village began with a suicide bombing near its entrance, followed by a raid by gunmen who stormed the building, opening fire on worshippers. Iraqi security forces and Shiite militiamen raced to the scene to reinforce security but stumbled on bombs planted by the militants. At least 64 people were killed, including four Shiite militiamen, and more than 60 people were wounded. In pointing the finger at Islamic State fighters, village officials said the Sunni extremists have been pressuring two prominent Sunni tribes in the area – the Oal-Waisi and al-Jabour – to join them, but so far they have refused, according to AP.