Suicide Bomber Kills 40 Shi'ite Pilgrims South of Baghdad
By VOA News
24 February 2008
Iraqi police say a suicide bomber has killed at least 40 people and wounded 60 others in an attack on pilgrims heading to one of Shi'ite Islam's holiest gatherings.
Police and witnesses say the bomber triggered the explosion inside a tent where pilgrims were offered refreshments Sunday in Iskandariyah, south of Baghdad.
Earlier in the day, Shi'ite pilgrims in Baghdad were attacked with explosives and gunfire. At least three people were killed and 36 others wounded.
The pilgrims were heading south toward Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen, the 40th day following the anniversary of the martyrdom 13 centuries ago of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein.
Millions of pilgrims are expected in Karbala this week.
Karbala's police chief says he has deployed 40,000 police officers and troops to secure the city.
Suspected Sunni militants have often attacked Shi'ite religious observances.
Separately, the U.S. military says two U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday in combat operations in northern and southern Baghdad.
In other news, an Iraqi government spokesman says Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has gone to London for medical tests - the second time in two months.
One of the prime minister's advisers says Mr. Maliki is in fine health and is following up on tests conducted in December.
A spokesman earlier said Mr. Maliki had been suffering from exhaustion.
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