Iraq: Two Shia pilgrims martyred in Baghdad

A roadside bomb martyred two Shia pilgrims, who were walking to the holy city of Karbala, southwest of the capital, for Arbaeen — the ceremony marking the end of 40 days of mourning, which follows the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of prophet Mohammad (PBUH). 

The casualties occurred just a day after at least 23 people, mostly Shia pilgrims, were martyred and dozens more injured in bomb attacks across the country. 

Iraq has witnessed many bomb attacks since the beginning of 2012, particularly after the government issued an arrest warrant for the Saudi-American backed Iraq’s Wahabi Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi on charges of running a hit squad. 

On January 5, about 78 Shia Muslims were martyred in bombings in the mainly-Shia-populated suburb district of Sadr City and the Kazimiyeh neighborhood in Baghdad and the southeastern city of Nassiriya.