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Roadside bombs target Iraqi Shias Roadside bombs target Iraqi Shias
(20 minutes later)
Eight people have died in two roadside bombs targeting Shia pilgrims returning to Baghdad from a religious festival.Eight people have died in two roadside bombs targeting Shia pilgrims returning to Baghdad from a religious festival.
More than 20 people were wounded when bombs tore through two minibuses in different areas of the Iraqi capital.More than 20 people were wounded when bombs tore through two minibuses in different areas of the Iraqi capital.
The pilgrims had been among several million Shias marking the 40th day of the Ashura festival in Karbala, 80km (50 miles) south of Baghdad.The pilgrims had been among several million Shias marking the 40th day of the Ashura festival in Karbala, 80km (50 miles) south of Baghdad.
Some 30,000 police and soldiers had been deployed to prevent attacks on the crowds.Some 30,000 police and soldiers had been deployed to prevent attacks on the crowds.
Last week bombs targeting pilgrims on their way to Karbala killed 60 people and wounded at least 170 others.Last week bombs targeting pilgrims on their way to Karbala killed 60 people and wounded at least 170 others.
Mourning periodMourning period
Monday's first blast hit a minibus filled with pilgrims in Baghdad's Sadr City neighbourhood, killing four people and wounding more than 10.Karbala's governor said this year's Ashura saw exceptional crowds Monday's first blast hit a minibus filled with pilgrims in Baghdad's Sadr City neighbourhood, killing four people and wounding more than 10.
The second bomb killed another four and wounded around a dozen more in a suburb of south-east Baghdad.The second bomb killed another four and wounded around a dozen more in a suburb of south-east Baghdad.
One of the most important dates in the Shia religious calendar, Ashura is a 40-day mourning period to commemorate the martyrdom in AD680 of the revered Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.One of the most important dates in the Shia religious calendar, Ashura is a 40-day mourning period to commemorate the martyrdom in AD680 of the revered Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.
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Hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims convege on Karbala
Shia pilgrimages to Karbala have grown in size since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003, and have often been a focal point for attacks by Sunni insurgents.Shia pilgrimages to Karbala have grown in size since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003, and have often been a focal point for attacks by Sunni insurgents.
In March 2004, 85 people were killed and 230 were injured as co-ordinated bombings near Karbala's main mosque targeted Shias celebrating Ashura.In March 2004, 85 people were killed and 230 were injured as co-ordinated bombings near Karbala's main mosque targeted Shias celebrating Ashura.
In January 2006, around 60 people were killed and 100 were injured by a suicide bomb attack in the city.In January 2006, around 60 people were killed and 100 were injured by a suicide bomb attack in the city.