Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Pilgrim death toll rises as attacks continue
Security, Insurgency
(Reuters) Insurgents ambushed Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims in southern Baghdad on Wednesday, killing five and wounding 10, a police source said, the day after scores of pilgrims died in a string of attacks. The ambush in the Doura area of the Iraqi capital occurred after nearly 150 pilgrims were killed in bombings and shootings on Tuesday. A double suicide bombing south of Baghdad killed up to 115 pilgrims in a busy street.
Crowds of pilgrims were out on the streets of Baghdad on Wednesday, undaunted by Tuesday's attacks, causing traffic jams as they headed on foot along major roads, conspicuous in their black clothing with white shrouds on their shoulders. Masses of Shi'ite pilgrims are heading to Kerbala on foot and by bus to commemorate Al Arbayeen, the end of a 40-day mourning period since Ashura, which marks the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson in 680. Kerbala, one the holiest cities in Shi'ite Islam, lies 110 km (68 miles) south of Baghdad.
Hilla, scene of Tuesday's deadliest attacks, is nearby. Two suicide bombers strapped with explosives detonated themselves almost simultaneously there on Tuesday on a busy street lined with tents, set up to offer food, drink and resting areas for pilgrims on their journey. Local hospital officials said at 115 people were killed and 200 more wounded. Another source, Babel health department head Mohammed Abd-Radha al Hafaj, put the death toll at 105, of whom 35 were still unidentified.
Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki blamed Sunni militants and supporters of former President Saddam Hussein for the "barbaric crime," according to a statement from his office. Security in and around Kerbala is tight for fear of a repetition of suicide bombings and attacks on Shi'ite religious rituals by suspected Sunni insurgents of the sort that killed 171 people in Baghdad and Kerbala in March 2004.
Crowds of pilgrims were out on the streets of Baghdad on Wednesday, undaunted by Tuesday's attacks, causing traffic jams as they headed on foot along major roads, conspicuous in their black clothing with white shrouds on their shoulders. Masses of Shi'ite pilgrims are heading to Kerbala on foot and by bus to commemorate Al Arbayeen, the end of a 40-day mourning period since Ashura, which marks the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson in 680. Kerbala, one the holiest cities in Shi'ite Islam, lies 110 km (68 miles) south of Baghdad.
Hilla, scene of Tuesday's deadliest attacks, is nearby. Two suicide bombers strapped with explosives detonated themselves almost simultaneously there on Tuesday on a busy street lined with tents, set up to offer food, drink and resting areas for pilgrims on their journey. Local hospital officials said at 115 people were killed and 200 more wounded. Another source, Babel health department head Mohammed Abd-Radha al Hafaj, put the death toll at 105, of whom 35 were still unidentified.
Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki blamed Sunni militants and supporters of former President Saddam Hussein for the "barbaric crime," according to a statement from his office. Security in and around Kerbala is tight for fear of a repetition of suicide bombings and attacks on Shi'ite religious rituals by suspected Sunni insurgents of the sort that killed 171 people in Baghdad and Kerbala in March 2004.
COMMENT: The attacks are likely to continue until the insurgents achieve their objective of provoking the Shias to the extent that Shia militias such as the Mahdi Army return to the streets and increase the cycle of sectarian murders. If the Mahdi Army return, they are likely to have to face the American troops which in turn will weaken the fragile alliance between the Shia government and the U.S. Additionally, the people are likely to lose faith in the government forces and their ability to provide protection as previously the Mahdi Army has provided a large amount of security quite succesfully. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Al Arbayeen, attacks, Karbala, Shiite pilgrims
