Islamic State claims responsibility for the bombing in Manchester that killed at least 22 and injured dozens

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester which killed at least 22 and injured 59. Islamic State’s Amaq news stated that the bomb was planted at the arena.  The bomb detonated as concert attendees were leaving the arena, targeting the audience which consisted of mainly teenagers and children.

Police stated that they did arrest a 23-year-old man shortly after the bombing.  The man arrested was recently identified as Salman Abedi and is reportedly connected to the attack. Islamic state claimed that the bomb was planted, and therefore may not have been a suicide bombing. Below is an image released by BBC of a man being arrested by police and it is unclear if the man pictured is Abedi.

The Islamic State group said one of its members planted bombs in the attack. Police, however, have spoken only of “an improvised device.”

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Islamic State said “a soldier of the caliphate planted bombs in the middle of Crusaders gatherings,” then detonated them.

The group said “30 Crusaders were killed and 70 others were wounded,” higher than the totals confirmed by authorities in Manchester.- LA Times

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With regards to last night’s incident at the Manchester arena, we can confirm we have arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester.

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— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017