LOC20:05
17:05 GMT
BAGHDAD, July 15 (KUNA) -- Three Iraqi civilians were killed and 13 injured
in a powerful explosion that rocked city of Karbala, southwest of Baghdad,
which is witnessing influx of thousands of Shiites to perform religious
rituals.
Commander of operations in Karbala Major-General Othman Al-Ghanimi said an
explosive device, left by a woman underneath a car that was parking in a lot,
was detonated and killed three civilians, injuring 13 others as well as
damaging five cars in the parking lot.
Speaking to KUNA, Al-Ghanimi said the woman acted freely because there was
no female inspectors in the parking lot. He did not elaborate on the fate of
the woman.
The parking lot, he explained, was around 10 kilometers away from downtown
Karbala.
Ambulances rushed to the scene to remove the dead and help the wounded, he
added.
The blast took place as security forces are deployed on all roads leading
to Karbala, where the climax of the rituals falls next Sunday. (end)
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KUNA 152005 Jul 11NNNN