Bomb attack on Shiites in Baghdad kills 7 including Iranian pilgrims
Ahlul Bayt News Agency -ABNA- An Iraqi police official says a man wearing a suicide belt attacked a tent serving refreshments to pilgrims in Baghdad observing an annual Shiite ritual, killing at least seven people including Iranian pilgrims.
The bomb exploded near a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims and led to the killing of 3 and injuring of 5 Iranian pilgrims, ABNA24 reported.
The Islamic State group has already claimed a number of attacks on pilgrims and other Shiite gatherings since the start of the holy period of Muharrem, commemorating the death of the Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed and an iconic Shiite martyr.
Security during Ashura has been tight since suspected al Qaeda suicide bombers and mortar fire killed 171 people during the rituals in Kerbala and Baghdad in 2004, though attacks have continued.
At least 19 people were wounded in the attack. A hospital official corroborated the casualties.
The officials spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to brief the media.
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