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Pilgrims die in Iraq bomb blast Pilgrims die in Iraq bomb blast
(20 minutes later)
At least 35 Shia pilgrims have been killed by a female suicide bomber at a shrine in Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.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.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. Police said 16 Iranian pilgrims were among those who died. 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 at a checkpoint outside the Imam Moussa al-Kadhim shrine on Sunday.Police say the suicide bomber detonated her device at a checkpoint outside the Imam Moussa al-Kadhim shrine on Sunday.
"A woman wearing an explosive vest managed to reach one of the security checkpoints near the revered Kadhim shrine and exploded herself among a crowd of pilgrims," Iraqi security official Qassim Moussawi said."A woman wearing an explosive vest managed to reach one of the security checkpoints near the revered Kadhim shrine and exploded herself among a crowd of pilgrims," Iraqi security official Qassim Moussawi said.
The blast happened at about 1100 (0800 GMT) as pilgrims were preparing for the Ashura holiday to mourn the death of Imam Hussein in the seventh century. Many of the victims were women and children, another security official told the AFP news agency.
It was the second attack in the area in nine days. At least 17 people were killed in a car bomb in late December. The blast happened at about 1100 (0800 GMT) as pilgrims were preparing for the Ashura holiday to mourn the death of Imam Hussein in the 7th Century.
This year, Ashura falls on Wednesday 7 January, but tens of thousands of pilgrims are already flocking to shrines across Iraq.
Sunday's attack in Baghdad was the second 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.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.