LOC19:44
16:44 GMT
BAGHDAD, Jan 3, (KUNA) -- A suicide car bomb explosion targeting Shiite
pilgrims in northern Babel province killed at least 20 people and injured 56
others, an Iraqi security source said on Thursday.
The Iraqi source told KUNA that the vehicle driven by a suicide bomber was
exploded in Al-Maseeb crossroads in Karbala city, resulting in killing 20
people.
The source expected the death toll to increase due to the huge crowd in the
targeted area.
The province of Babel, 100 kilometer south of Baghdad, has witnessed
various attacks targeting police, military, and civilians alike.
Security forces are boosting their control in the province and attempting
to capture armed groups, mainly Al-Qaeda affiliates.
Shiite pilgrims are walking on foot coming from all over the country to pay
attribute in a religious session ceremony.
Over the past few days, Iraqi authorities have carried out tight security
measures in the areas, including air surveillance. (pickup previous)
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