LOC21:06
18:06 GMT
BAGHDAD, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- A suicide bomber detonated a KIA minibus among
Shia pilgrims at the eastern entrance of Karbala, 100 km southwest Baghdad, on
Wednesday killing at least 24 people and wounding 117 others, a local security
source said.
The explosion took place near Towairij district, the hometown of Prime
Minister Nuri Al-Maliki some 10 km to the east of Karbala, the source said.
It coincided with the climax of Shiite Arba'inia ceremonies marking the 40
mourning days of Imam Al-Hussein, the source said under the condition of
anonymity.
The victims have been rushed to nearby hospitals such as Al-Hussein
Hospital, the source said, noting that the deal toll in likely to increase due
to the life-threatening conditions of several injured people.
Meanwhile, a medical source in Al-Hussein Hospital told KUNA that the
hospital received 15 dead bodies and 50 injured persons after today's attack,
noting that the victims include women and children.
Karbala has seen last night a bomb attack which killed three and wounded 30
others.
Shia pilgrims make their annual journey to Imam Hussein shrine in the holy
city to observe the 40-day mourning of Imam Al-Hussein; they are traditionally
easy target for terrorist attacks. (end)
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KUNA 032106 Feb 10NNNN