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40 Iraq Shiite Pilgrims Killed in Blast

Tent explodes as pilgrims take a break during a days-long trek

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 24, 2008 10:00 AM CST
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(Newser) – At least 40 people were killed today when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest amid a crowd of Shiite pilgrims during a trek south of Baghdad. A tent where the marchers stopped for food exploded in Iskandariyah in the second attack on Arbaeen, a day when millions descend on Karbala to honor the grandson of the prophet Muhammad, who is buried there.

Earlier, three pilgrims were killed in a sniper-and-bomb attack in Baghdad. Some 40,000 police officers and military troops were deployed to protect the pilgrims from expected attacks by Sunni insurgents. The violence occurred as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki traveled to London for a second round of medical tests following an illness two months ago. A spokesmen described it as a routine examination that confirmed he was in good health.

Medics wheel a wounded pilgrim to a hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008. Three Shiite pilgrims were killed Sunday morning in an attack that wounded as many as 36 others, including two officers who were protecting the travelers. The pilgrims were headed to Karbala for Arbaeen, which marks...
Medics wheel a wounded pilgrim to a hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008. Three Shiite pilgrims were killed Sunday morning in an attack that wounded as many as 36 others, including two officers...   (Associated Press)
Iraqi policemen stand around the body of a gunmen killed an attack on a checkpoint yesterday in Saqlawiyah, 75 kilometers (45 miles) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008. On Saturday a group of gunmen attacked the checkpoint killing one police officer. Then three of the attackers armed with...
Iraqi policemen stand around the body of a gunmen killed an attack on a checkpoint yesterday in Saqlawiyah, 75 kilometers (45 miles) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008. On Saturday a group of...   (Associated Press)
US military passes Shiite pilgrims leaving Baghdad on their way to Karbala, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008, for Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day following the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, one Shiism's major figures, who is buried here. (AP Photo/Loay Hameed)
US military passes Shiite pilgrims leaving Baghdad on their way to Karbala, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008, for Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day following the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, one...   (Associated Press)
Iraqi army passes Shiite pilgrims leaving Baghdad on their way to Karbala, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008, for Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day following the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein. (AP Photo/Loay Hameed)
Iraqi army passes Shiite pilgrims leaving Baghdad on their way to Karbala, Iraq, Sunday Feb. 24, 2008, for Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day following the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein. (AP...   (Associated Press)
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Prime minister heads to London for tests
Associated Press

More on the attack
AFP

 
Iraq • Sunni • Shiite • suicide bombing • Sunnis • bomb • pilgrims • Arbaeen • pilgrimage

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