This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6426579.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Fresh attacks hit Shia pilgrims Fresh attacks hit Shia pilgrims
(about 1 hour later)
Attacks on Shia Muslim pilgrims in Iraq show no sign of easing with at least 11 people killed on their way to the holy city of Karbala on Wednesday. Attacks on Shia Muslim pilgrims in Iraq are showing no signs of easing off, with at least 16 people killed on their way to the holy city of Karbala.
A roadside bomb exploded in Doura, a southern suburb of Baghdad, killing about seven people. Seven pilgrims died in a bomb blast in Doura in southern Baghdad, and one was killed by gunmen in the city centre.
One person died when gunmen fired on a group of pilgrims in central Baghdad. At least eight people were killed by a car bomb targeting police deployed to protect pilgrims in southern Baghdad.
The latest attacks came a day after more than 100 people died when suicide bombers targeted a crowd of Shia pilgrims in Hilla south of Baghdad. On Tuesday, more than 100 people died when suicide bombers targeted a crowd of Shia pilgrims in the town of Hilla.
Attacks on Shia worshippers have intensified as large numbers make their way to Karbala, south of the capital, for a religious commemoration on Saturday.Attacks on Shia worshippers have intensified as large numbers make their way to Karbala, south of the capital, for a religious commemoration on Saturday.
'Chance for paradise''Chance for paradise'
US ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad and coalition forces commander General David Petraeus described the Hilla attack as a cowardly and brutal act against innocent, devout Iraqis. US ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad and coalition forces commander Lt Gen David Petraeus described the attack in Hilla, south of Baghdad, as a cowardly and brutal act against innocent, devout Iraqis.
Many pilgrims said they would continue their journey to Karbala - a large number of them on foot - despite the threat of further attacks.Many pilgrims said they would continue their journey to Karbala - a large number of them on foot - despite the threat of further attacks.
Abbas Ali, 32, told the Associated Press news agency: "I'm wearing this card to identify me if I'm killed during the journey to Karbala."Abbas Ali, 32, told the Associated Press news agency: "I'm wearing this card to identify me if I'm killed during the journey to Karbala."
Khadija Mouhsin told AP his brother had been killed last year en route to Karbala, but that he was determined to make the journey.Khadija Mouhsin told AP his brother had been killed last year en route to Karbala, but that he was determined to make the journey.
"The terrorists give us the chance to go to paradise," he is quoted as saying."The terrorists give us the chance to go to paradise," he is quoted as saying.
Some Shia leaders blamed the government for not providing enough security, at a time when it had persuaded the powerful Mahdi Army militia to keep a low profile to avoid confrontation with US forces.Some Shia leaders blamed the government for not providing enough security, at a time when it had persuaded the powerful Mahdi Army militia to keep a low profile to avoid confrontation with US forces.
In past years the militia has protected Shia pilgrims from attacks.In past years the militia has protected Shia pilgrims from attacks.
But the US military is try to impose control over militia-dominated Shia Muslim areas, seen as a last attempt to prevent civil war in Iraq.But the US military is try to impose control over militia-dominated Shia Muslim areas, seen as a last attempt to prevent civil war in Iraq.