Wed Nov 13, 2013 13:43:43
A number of coordinated bomb blasts targeting Shia pilgrims in north and west of Baghdad have killed at least 23 people and wounded several others, Iraqi security and medical officials say.
The bombs exploded near the restive central city of Baquba on Wednesday, targeting a procession of Shia worshippers commemorating the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), .
The pilgrims had been walking in the direction of the shrine city of Karbala to take part in Ashura – the tenth day of Muharram in Arabic calendar year when Shias mourn for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) – commemorations on Thursday.
The annual event marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), who was martyred in 680 AD by the armies of the caliph Yazid.
Wednesday's deaths were the latest in Iraq's worst violence since 2008, with more than 5,600 people killed this year despite tightened security measures and a swathe of operations against militants.
NTJ/BA
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