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Pilgrims die in Iraq bomb blast | Pilgrims die in Iraq bomb blast |
(about 2 hours later) | |
At least 35 Shia pilgrims have been killed by a female suicide bomber at a shrine in Baghdad, Iraqi officials say. | |
At least 65 people were injured in the blast, in the Kadhimiya area of the Iraqi capital, where pilgrims were gathering for a religious ceremony. | |
Most of the casualties were from neighbouring Iran. There are fears the death toll will rise. | |
Processions of Shia pilgrims across Iraq have been targeted by Sunni insurgents in the past. | Processions of Shia pilgrims across Iraq have been targeted by Sunni insurgents in the past. |
Police say the suicide bomber detonated her device - reportedly an explosives belt - at a checkpoint outside the Imam Moussa al-Kadhim shrine on Sunday. | |
It happened about 1100 (0800 GMT) as Shia pilgrims were preparing for the Ashura holiday to mourn the death of Imam Hussein in the seventh century. | |
It was the second attack in the area in nine days. At least 17 people were killed in a car bomb in late December. | |
On Friday, at least 23 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a gathering of Sunni Muslim leaders south of Baghdad. | On Friday, at least 23 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a gathering of Sunni Muslim leaders south of Baghdad. |
About 110 people were also injured in Yusufiya, 20km (12 miles) from Baghdad. | About 110 people were also injured in Yusufiya, 20km (12 miles) from Baghdad. |
Sectarian violence in Baghdad has declined over the past year, but religious festivals remain times of heightened tension, the BBC's Caroline Wyatt in Baghdad says. |