Shi'ite religious festival marred by attacks in Iraq
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 January 2007 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Shi'ite religious festival marred by attacks in Iraq, 30 January 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/469f5c43c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Shi'ite pilgrims also came under attack in Baghdad (epa)
January 30, 2007 – At least 60 people were killed in violent attacks in Iraq today, the day of the climax of ceremonies marking Ashura, the holiest day in the Shi'ite calendar.
In the bloodiest incident, a suicide bomber killed at least 23 worshippers when he blew himself up at a Shi'ite mosque in the town of Balad Ruz, northeast of Baghdad.
In northern Baghdad, at least 17 people were killed by mortar rounds, while in the south of the capital, at least four Shi'ite pilgrims were killed when gunmen opened fire on two minibuses.
At least 13 people died when a roadside bomb exploded by a procession of Shi'a in the town of Khanaqin, northeast of Baghdad.
In other violence, police said a car bomb targeted a police patrol in the northern city of Mosul, killing two police officers.
The attacks came as some 2 million Shi'ite pilgrims descended on Karbala to take part in the religious ceremony of Ashura.
The 10-day mourning rite honors the slaying in 680 of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
(compiled from agency reports)