This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24936961
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Iraqi bombs hit Shia religious processions near Baghdad | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Two near-simultaneous bomb attacks targeting a Shia religious procession south of Baghdad have left at least eight people dead and dozens wounded. | Two near-simultaneous bomb attacks targeting a Shia religious procession south of Baghdad have left at least eight people dead and dozens wounded. |
The attack happened in Wasit province, on the Shia festival of Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, in 680AD. | |
At least 15 Shia pilgrims were killed and 65 injured in a suicide bomb attack in Diyala province, officials said. | |
Shia religious events are frequently targeted by Sunni militants. | Shia religious events are frequently targeted by Sunni militants. |
Thursday's twin attack took place in the town of Hafriyah, about 50km (32 miles) from the capital, police said. | |
The suicide bombing happened in the city of al-Sadiya in the restive Diyala province. | |
On Wednesday, a string of bomb attacks in Iraq targeting Shia pilgrims and police left at least 20 people dead, officials said. | On Wednesday, a string of bomb attacks in Iraq targeting Shia pilgrims and police left at least 20 people dead, officials said. |
Up to two million Shia are expected to make the pilgrimage to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where there is a shrine to Hussein's martyrdom. | Up to two million Shia are expected to make the pilgrimage to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where there is a shrine to Hussein's martyrdom. |
Sectarian violence in Iraq has reached its highest level since 2008. | |
The UN says 979 people - including 158 police and 127 military personnel - were killed in violent attacks in October. More than 6,500 civilians have died this year. | The UN says 979 people - including 158 police and 127 military personnel - were killed in violent attacks in October. More than 6,500 civilians have died this year. |
Iraq has also seen a spill-over of violence from the conflict in Syria, where jihadist rebels linked to the Islamic State of Iraq, a Sunni militant umbrella group that includes al-Qaeda, have risen to prominence. | Iraq has also seen a spill-over of violence from the conflict in Syria, where jihadist rebels linked to the Islamic State of Iraq, a Sunni militant umbrella group that includes al-Qaeda, have risen to prominence. |