DHAKA: Two bombings in different parts of Iraq’s capital Baghdad have struck groups of Shia Muslims taking part in an annual religious pilgrimage, killing at least 15 people and injuring 38 others.

Al Jazeera publishes this report on Tuesday.

One of the attacks on Monday hit a checkpoint in Saiydiyah district along a route used by pilgrims traveling to the city of Karbala for the ‘Arbaeen’ commemoration, killing nine and injuring 21 others.

According to the media reports, police said four soldiers are among the dead.

Police told Al Jazeera that another blast struck pilgrims in the Shaab neighborhood, in the city’s north, killing at least six and injuring 17 others.

No groups immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.

They were the first attacks on Shia pilgrims in Baghdad during the lead-up to Arbaeen, which is often marked by violence despite tight security measures to protect the pilgrims, many of whom travel to Karbala by foot, the media reported.

Arbaeen marks 40 days after the Ashoura anniversary, commemorating the slaying of Imam Hussein by the armies of the caliph Yazid in 680 AD.

BDST: 1318 HRS, DEC 01, 2015
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