The pilgrims were headed to the city of Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen, the end of 40 days of mourning following the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, a revered Shia figure.
Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media.
In Iraq, hundreds of thousands of Shia pilgrims from all around the world make their way every year to Karbala for Arbaeen. Al-Qaida and other Sunni extremist Muslims frequently target the Shias. Also, the Shia marches to holy cities are typically poorly protected by Iraqi security forces.
Star Telegram
MNA
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