DHAKA: At least 19 people were killed in bomb attacks targeting Iraqi police and pilgrims on Wednesday, police and medical sources said, just before the end of a Shia Muslim religious festival.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, which coincided with the holy ritual of Ashura, when Shia commemorate Imam Hussein who died more than 1,000 years ago.

The 10-day ritual ends on Thursday, reports The Jerusalem Post.

BDST: 1842 HRS, NOV 13, 2013
RoR/BSK