Baghdad bombing death toll rises to 175 as more bodies found

More bodies have been recovered from the site of the weekend suicide bomb attack in central Baghdad by Islamic State, bringing the death toll to 175, Iraqi authorities have said.

The bombing came days before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and which begins on Wednesday in Iraq.

An Islamic State suicide bomber struck Baghdad’s bustling commercial area of Karada in the early hours of Sunday, when many residents were spending the night out, before the start of their dawn fast.

The bombing showed the capability of Islamic State, also known as Isis, for launching attacks beyond the front lines, despite battlefield losses elsewhere in the country.

Police and health officials warned that there are still people missing and that the death toll could rise further.

On Tuesday morning, the residents of Karada held a funeral procession for a young man at the scene of the blast. An Iraqi flag draped over her shoulder, his mother led the mourners carrying his wooden casket and pounding their chests in grief. Others were seen throwing flowers on the casket, also wrapped in the Iraqi flag.

The attack, which also fuelled public anger towards the government and political leaders, prompted prime minister Haider al-Abadi to order new security measures in Baghdad and other cities.

Mr al-Abadi ordered the installing of x-ray systems at the entrances of Iraqi provinces, an upgraded security belt around Baghdad, increased aerial scanning and stepped-up intelligence efforts.

At the height of the extremist group's power in 2014, Isis had deprived the government of control of nearly one-third of Iraqi territory. Now the militants are estimated to control only 14 per cent, according to the prime minister's office. Isis militants still control Iraq's second-largest northern city of Mosul, north of Baghdad.

AP