Violence, attacks on Shi’as kills 18 in Iraq
15 Nov 2013 3:55 AM IST
A series of coordinated bombings targeting Shiite pilgrims ahead of major commemoration rituals were the deadliest in attacks across north and west Iraq that killed 18 people on Wednesday.
The bloodshed is the latest in a months-long surge in violence that authorities have so far failed to stem despite several operations against insurgents, and have forced Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to appeal for help from Washington in combating militancy.
Wednesday’s violence came on the eve of annual ceremonies marking the anniversary of the death of a key figure in Shiite Islam, a period during which Sunni militants typically step up attacks on Shiites, whom they regard as apostates.
The deadliest unrest was on the outskirts of Baquba, which lies north of Baghdad and is one of Iraq’s most violent areas, with three coordinating bombings targeting a gathering of Shiite pilgrims marking Ashura.
The bloodshed is the latest in a months-long surge in violence that authorities have so far failed to stem despite several operations against insurgents, and have forced Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to appeal for help from Washington in combating militancy.
Wednesday’s violence came on the eve of annual ceremonies marking the anniversary of the death of a key figure in Shiite Islam, a period during which Sunni militants typically step up attacks on Shiites, whom they regard as apostates.
The deadliest unrest was on the outskirts of Baquba, which lies north of Baghdad and is one of Iraq’s most violent areas, with three coordinating bombings targeting a gathering of Shiite pilgrims marking Ashura.
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