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Deadly blasts target Shias in Iraq Bombings kill Shias in Iraq cities of Hilla and Karbala
(35 minutes later)
At least 16 people have been killed in a double bombing in the predominantly Shia Muslim city of Hilla, south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, officials say.At least 16 people have been killed in a double bombing in the predominantly Shia Muslim city of Hilla, south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, officials say.
Unconfirmed reports say a car bomb also exploded in the nearby shrine city of Karbala, killing at least five people. Reports say a car bomb also exploded in the nearby shrine city of Karbala, killing at least five people.
No group has said it carried out the attacks but Sunni militants have targeted the Shia majority in the past.No group has said it carried out the attacks but Sunni militants have targeted the Shia majority in the past.
Pilgrims flock to Karbala each year for Ashura commemorations, the climax of the holy month of Muharram.Pilgrims flock to Karbala each year for Ashura commemorations, the climax of the holy month of Muharram.
Initial reports said the two bombs in Hilla exploded near a restaurant. Police and hospital officials said scores of people were injured.Initial reports said the two bombs in Hilla exploded near a restaurant. Police and hospital officials said scores of people were injured.
In Karbala, a parked car exploded near one of the city gates, a police officer quoted by AP news agency said.
Those who died were civilians but policemen were among more than 20 wounded, he added. The blast also damaged nearby buildings.
A recent upsurge in such attacks has sparked fears of a return to the sectarian conflict that beset Iraq in the years after the 2003 US-led invasion.A recent upsurge in such attacks has sparked fears of a return to the sectarian conflict that beset Iraq in the years after the 2003 US-led invasion.