Attacks in Iraq Target Shiite Muslims
A coordinated series of attacks struck Shiite Muslims in the capital on Wednesday morning as they began gathering to mark the death of a revered imam who was the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
In the south, explosions hit two Shiite mosques and a restaurant where police officer had gathered for breakfast. By midmorning, the death toll nationwide was more than 50 people and more than 100 were wounded, according to security officials.
According to an Interior Ministry official, four parked cars detonated across Baghdad, aimed at Shiite pilgrims celebrating the death of Imam Moussa Kadhim. The pilgrimage culminates on Saturday, raising the specter of further violence as more pilgrims descend on Baghdad in the coming days. In Wednesday’s attacks, at least 21 people were killed and around 60 people were wounded.