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Attacks on Shiite Pilgrims Jeopardize Sadr Ceasefire

Posted Feb 25, 08 10:58 AM CST in World

(Newser) – A wave of violence against Shiite pilgrims continued today, with at least seven dying in a pair of roadside bombings, and nerves fraying over an unpopular ceasefire. Shiites are observing one of their most sacred holidays despite a spate of attacks—today's plus at least three yesterday—that are straining supporters of Muqtada al Sadr’s Mahdi Army, the LA Times reports.

Many in Sadr’s party grumbled when the cleric extended an August ceasefire on Friday. Now, with security forces failing, pressure will increase to heed those voices. “There is no army or police!” screamed one man injured yesterday. "This is a failed security plan.” Two hundred died during last year’s Arbaeen, a weeklong festival ending Thursday, but many hoped for reduced violence this year.

Sources Los Angeles Times, Associated Press

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Iraqi pilgrims reach out for bread in Iskandariyah, 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, on their way to Karbala for Arbaeen, a major religious gathering, Monday, Feb. 25, 2008. Karbala is... (Associated Press)

Iraqi pilgrims march through Iskandariyah, 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, on their way to Karbala for Arbaeen, a major religious gathering , Monday, Feb. 25, 2008. Karbala is the burial... (Associated Press)

Map locates Iskandariyah, Iraq, where a suicide bomber struck Shiite pilgrims. (Associated Press)

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 soldier watches over Shiite pilgrims as they leave 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... (Associated Press)

People cry during a funeral of their loved one killed in Sunday's attack on Shiite pilgrims on their way to Karbala, in Najaf, Iraq, Monday, Feb. 25, 2008. The throngs of Shiite pilgrims walking 80 kilometers... (Associated Press)

Women cry during a funeral of their relative killed in yesterday's attack on Shiite pilgrims on their way to Karbala, in Najaf, Iraq, Monday, Feb. 25, 2008. The throngs of Shiite pilgrims walking 80 kilometers... (Associated Press)

Men carry a coffin of a relative killed in Sunday's attack on Shiite pilgrims on their way to Karbala, during a funeral in Najaf, Iraq, Monday, Feb. 25, 2008. Throngs of Shiite pilgrims walking 50 miles... (Associated Press)