BBC NEWS | Middle East | Scores killed in Iraq Shia blasts: "Scores killed in Iraq Shia blasts
The wounded were carried on makeshift stretchers
As many as 100 people have been killed in blasts targeting Iraqi Shias as they celebrated one of their holiest days in the cities of Karbala and Baghdad.
At least 30 people were killed and hundreds wounded in Karbala, and as many as 75 died in Baghdad in attacks that appeared to be coordinated.
US officials said mortars had been fired at the mosque in Baghdad. They may also have been used in Karbala.
Correspondents said the atmosphere in Karbala turned from shock to anger.It had long been feared that somebody would try to target the Ashura festival - perhaps to try and provoke Sunni-Shia tensions across the country.
The festival was banned under Saddam Hussein's Sunni-dominated regime for fear it would foment rebellion by Shias.
Correspondents say this year's event coincides with the growing dominance of Shia in post-Saddam Iraq - which has prompted fears that disgruntled Sunni militants might target the celebrations. "
The wounded were carried on makeshift stretchers
As many as 100 people have been killed in blasts targeting Iraqi Shias as they celebrated one of their holiest days in the cities of Karbala and Baghdad.
At least 30 people were killed and hundreds wounded in Karbala, and as many as 75 died in Baghdad in attacks that appeared to be coordinated.
US officials said mortars had been fired at the mosque in Baghdad. They may also have been used in Karbala.
Correspondents said the atmosphere in Karbala turned from shock to anger.It had long been feared that somebody would try to target the Ashura festival - perhaps to try and provoke Sunni-Shia tensions across the country.
The festival was banned under Saddam Hussein's Sunni-dominated regime for fear it would foment rebellion by Shias.
Correspondents say this year's event coincides with the growing dominance of Shia in post-Saddam Iraq - which has prompted fears that disgruntled Sunni militants might target the celebrations. "
Comments