Iraqi officials have confirmed at least 63 people were killed Thursday in a series of explosions targeting Shiites. The attacks happened in the southern city of Nasiriyah and the capital, Baghdad.
The deadliest explosion happened in Nasiriyah where a group of Shiite pilgrims were traveling to Karbala for next week’s holiday of Arbaeen. The holy day marks the conclusion of 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. An official at the Interior Ministry said at least 36 people were killed by the suicide bomber. Another 72 people were wounded.
In Baghdad, four car bombs detonated in two Shiite neighborhoods. The first set of explosions reportedly occurred in Sadr City near a group of day laborers. At least 12 people were killed. The second set of explosions in the district of Kazimiyah left at least 15 dead. More than 30 people were wounded in the blasts.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
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