By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least 37 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a suicide bomb attack near a shrine in northern Baghdad Sunday, an interior ministry official said.
The bomber, who targeted Shia pilgrims, blew up his explosive-belt at a checkpoint near the main gate of the shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim, one of the holiest men for Shias, the source said.
“According to our latest reports, 37 people were killed and 53 wounded in the suicide bombing,” the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The attack came as Shias prepare to mark Ashura that falls Jan 7, the 10th day of Muharram. This is one of the most important holy days for Shias and marks the death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussein.