Monday, March 12, 2007
Shias mourn Sunday's attack as Minister's convoy is bombed
Security
(AP) Hundreds of Shiite mourners turned out Monday for funerals a day after a suicide car bomber rammed a flatbed truck packed with pilgrims returning from weekend rites in Karbala, killing 32 people. Mourners marched alongside 10 caskets placed on top of minivans, beating their chests and shouting, 'There is no God but Allah,' as they moved along the road. Attacks have killed hundreds of Shiite pilgrims in the past week as they traveled to and from Karbala, where they commemorated the 7th century death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson.
The men and boys were celebrating their good fortune when one noticed a car racing far too fast, coming toward them from behind. The bomber barreled into their flatbed truck, setting off an explosion that killed at least 32 and wounded at least 24. One of the pilgrims, Mustafa Moussawi, accused officials of not providing enough security. "I blame the government," he said. "They didn't provide a safe route for us even though they knew we were targets for attack."
In the past two years, the Shiite militia Mehdi Army provided security for the pilgrimage. This year, however, the Mehdi militiamen has been sent to the wings under a deal between its leader, radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and the government to ease the way for the Baghdad security sweeps. The pact apparently has led to a decrease in execution-style slayings blamed on Shiite death squads. It also made the pilgrims easier prey.
Also Monday, a roadside bomb blasted an Agriculture Ministry convoy in southeastern Baghdad, killing three security guards and wounding another, officials said. The blast targeting the ministry employees occurred in the Zayouna area of the city. Agriculture Minister Yarrub Nazim was not in the convoy.
The men and boys were celebrating their good fortune when one noticed a car racing far too fast, coming toward them from behind. The bomber barreled into their flatbed truck, setting off an explosion that killed at least 32 and wounded at least 24. One of the pilgrims, Mustafa Moussawi, accused officials of not providing enough security. "I blame the government," he said. "They didn't provide a safe route for us even though they knew we were targets for attack."
In the past two years, the Shiite militia Mehdi Army provided security for the pilgrimage. This year, however, the Mehdi militiamen has been sent to the wings under a deal between its leader, radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and the government to ease the way for the Baghdad security sweeps. The pact apparently has led to a decrease in execution-style slayings blamed on Shiite death squads. It also made the pilgrims easier prey.
Also Monday, a roadside bomb blasted an Agriculture Ministry convoy in southeastern Baghdad, killing three security guards and wounding another, officials said. The blast targeting the ministry employees occurred in the Zayouna area of the city. Agriculture Minister Yarrub Nazim was not in the convoy.
Labels: Moqtada Al-Sadr, Shiite pilgrims
