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Suicide Bomber Kills at least 54 Pilgrims on their way to Karbala |
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Written by UPI
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Wednesday, 03 February 2010 23:14 |
 At least 54 Shiite pilgrims were killed and 109 wounded in Baghdad when a
suicide bomber detonated an explosives-rigged vest, authorities said.
Ahmad Najem, a 30-year-old taxi driver, witnessed the attack as he drove near
the scene of the attack -- a tent where pilgrims had gathered. He said he saw a
huge fireball leap out from the tent, followed by the cries of injured people.
"I saw the bodies of women and children, and bags and slippers strewn all around
in pools of blood," he said as he helped evacuate the wounded.
The attack took place as thousands of Shiites were heading to the holy city of
Karbala to mark the end of a 40-day mourning period following Ashura, a
commemoration of the death of the Mohammed's grandson who died in a battle in
Karbala in A.D. 680.
The pilgrimage had been banned under Saddam Hussein. Since his overthrow in
2003, Shiite pilgrims have been making the journey to Karbala amid sectarian
violence, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Officials reported a number of roadside bombings and grenade attacks on pilgrims
during the past few days, CNN said. Iraqi officials warned of attacks during the
pilgrimage in advance of the country's March 7 national elections.
Source: UPI
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2010 23:25 |
