BAGHDAD: A car bomb explosion tore through a crowd of Shia pilgrims returning home from a religious commemoration, killing at least 20 and reinforcing fears of renewed sectarian violence, according to Iraqi officials.
The blast erupted late in the afternoon in the town of Musayyib, about 60 kilometers south of the Iraqi capital. It targeted pilgrims returning from the holy city of Karbala following the climax of the religious commemoration known as Arbaeen.
Children were among the 20 people confirmed killed, according to a police official. He said at least 50 people were wounded.
The bomb went off in the middle of a gathering of pilgrims changing buses coming from Karbala on their way to other destinations in the country, according to police.
“The explosion shook the whole block and smashed the windows of my house,” said teacher Ibrahim Mohammed, who lives nearby. “I ran to the scene of the explosion only to find charred bodies and burning cars. There were women screaming and searching for their missing children.”
Thursday marked the height of Arbaeen, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims converged on Karbala to mark the passing of 40 days after the anniversary of the seventh century martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Pilgrims visiting Karbala are one of the favorite targets for Sunni insurgents during such events.
Iraqi authorities typically tighten security in Karbala and along routes used by pilgrims, but security forces acknowledge they are unable to prevent all attacks.
Zaid Mohammed, a 21-year old student, said he walked to Karbala from a nearby city to show his deep respect for Imam Hussein.
“All the people came here to show their gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein while fighting injustice,” he said. “We have decided to confront all the security risks that we might face on our way to Karbala.”
State television earlier Thursday aired video of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki walking among the pilgrims. Agencies
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