UPDATED: Baghdad suicide bombing kills at least 6 on Ashura
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A suicide bombing targeting Shiite pilgrims killed at least six people and wounded 30 on Sunday, security officials said.
The suicide bomber attacked pilgrims gathered for the Shiite ritual of Ashura, one of the most important and saddest days of the Shiite calendar, marking the death of Hussein, revered by Shiites as a saint killed in battle in 680 A.D.
The Associated Press reported blood stains and debris from the attack and said police and hospital officials confirmed the number of dead, but spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not allowed to release information.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
Also on Sunday, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the Shua’la area north of Baghdad, wounding five, the Baghdad operation command announced.
The suicide bomber attacked pilgrims gathered for the Shiite ritual of Ashura, one of the most important and saddest days of the Shiite calendar, marking the death of Hussein, revered by Shiites as a saint killed in battle in 680 A.D.
The Associated Press reported blood stains and debris from the attack and said police and hospital officials confirmed the number of dead, but spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not allowed to release information.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
Also on Sunday, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the Shua’la area north of Baghdad, wounding five, the Baghdad operation command announced.