aghdad: A series of coordinated bombings targeting Shiite pilgrims ahead of major commemoration rituals were the deadliest in attacks across north and west Iraq that killed 18 people on Wednesday.
The bloodshed is the latest in a months-long surge in violence that authorities have so far failed to stem despite several operations against insurgents, and have forced Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to appeal for help from Washington in combating militancy.
Today’s violence came on the eve of annual ceremonies marking the anniversary of the death of a key figure in Shiite Islam, a period during which Sunni militants typically step up attacks on Shiites, whom they regard as apostates.
The deadliest unrest was on the outskirts of Baquba, which lies north of Baghdad and is one of Iraq’s most violent areas, with three coordinating bombings targeting a gathering of Shiite pilgrims marking Ashura.
The blasts killed at least eight people and wounded 25, security and medical officials said. In the days leading up to the climax of Ashura, which this year falls on Thursday, Shiite Muslims often set up procession tents where food is distributed to passers-by and pilgrims can gather.
Violence elsewhere in Iraq today killed 10 people and police also gunned down three militants, officials said. (PTI)
