SHAFAQNA (Shia News Association) — At least 44 people have been martyred and over 70 others wounded in bomb explosions in Iraq near Kerbala before Shiite Shi’ite ritual on Tuesday, The Shia Post reported.
According to sources, In a small truck a bomb exploded in a market in Diwaniya killing 40 people, and a bomb blast killed 4 others near holy city of Kerbala, in the latest series of sectarian attacks.
The incident took place on Tuesday when a bomb went off in a truck parked in the central market, a police official said on the condition of anonymity.
A hospital source in the city, located 160 km (100 miles) south of Baghdad, confirmed receiving 44 dead bodies so far.
Karbala is having strict security plans to defend the Iraqi and foreign pilgrims visiting the holy city these days to commemorate the birthday of Shiite Imam Mehdi.
It is expected that millions will come to Karbala for this occasion.
Karbala, center of the province, lies 108 km south west of the capital, Baghdad.
Hospital and police sources said earlier they believed the attack had also been targeting Shia pilgrims on their way to Kerbala.
Last month of June at least 237 people were killed and 603 wounded mainly in bomb attacks, according to a Reuters tally, making June one of the bloodiest months in Iraq since US troops withdrew at the end of last year.—www.shafaqna.com/english/
Source:Shia Post
