Attacks on Shiite pilgrims, others kill 16 in Iraq

Civilians leave their home damaged in a double suicide bomb attack at a market the day before, in Tuz Khormato, 130 miles (210 kilometers) north of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, Nov 24, 2013. AP

BAGHDAD — A suicide bombing targeting Shiite pilgrims in Iraq’s capital on their way to a holy city and other violence across the country killed 16 people Thursday, officials said.

The suicide bomber set off his explosive belt near a group of pilgrims in Baghdad’s southern district of Dora, killing 11 people and wounding 22, police said.

The pilgrims were heading to the holy Shiite city of Karbala, 90 kilometers (55 miles) to the south. Shiite pilgrims are commemorating Arbaeen, the end of 40 days of mourning following the anniversary of the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, a revered Shiite figure.

Hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims make their way every year to Karbala for Arbaeen. Al-Qaida and Sunni Muslim insurgents frequently target the Shiites, whom they consider to be infidels. Iraqi security forces also often poorly protect Shiite marches to holy cities.

Meanwhile Thursday, gunmen wearing military uniforms broke into the home of a former member of anti-al-Qaida Sunni militia in Baghdad’s western suburb of Abu Ghraib, killing him, his wife, his two children and his brother-in-law, a police officer said. The officer said the attack wounded two other children.

The Sunni militia, known as Sahwa, joined forces with U.S. forces during the height of Iraq’s sectarian conflict to fight al-Qaida. Ever since it has been a target for Sunni insurgents who consider its members traitors.

Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to journalists.

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