Suicide Bomber Kills 40 Shi’ite Pilgrims South of Baghdad

Iraqi police say a suicide bomber has killed at least 40 people and wounded 60 others in an attack on pilgrims heading to one of Shi’ite Islam’s holiest gatherings.

Police and witnesses say the bomber triggered the explosion inside a tent where pilgrims were offered refreshments Sunday in Iskandariyah, south of Baghdad.

Earlier in the day, Shi’ite pilgrims in Baghdad were attacked with explosives and gunfire. At least three people were killed and 36 others wounded.

The pilgrims were heading south toward Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen, the 40th day following the anniversary of the martyrdom 13 centuries ago of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussein.

Millions of pilgrims are expected in Karbala this week.

Karbala’s police chief says he has deployed 40,000 police officers and troops to secure the city.

Suspected Sunni militants have often attacked Shi’ite religious observances.
In other news, an Iraqi government spokesman says Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is traveling to London Sunday for medical tests - for the second time in two months.

One of the prime minister’s advisers says Mr. Maliki is in fine health and is returning to Britain to follow up on tests conducted in December.

Earlier, a spokesman said Mr. Maliki had been suffering from exhaustion.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

by VOA News

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