Over a million Shi’ite pilgrims were in the holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen observances that ended today, but as many of them now start for home, they are easy targets for violence. Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi said government efforts at securing the country during this tense time were “successful” despite a spate a recent bombings. He also called it proof that Iraq can safely host the upcoming Arab Summit. At least three Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in today’s attacks.
read moreMonday: 29 Iraqis Killed, 181 Wounded
Updated at 11:51 p.m EST, Jan. 24, 2010
As Arbaeen observances culminate, the violence towards pilgrims continues. At least 29 were killed and 181 more were wounded in attacks across the country, but the deadliest occurred just outside Karbala. While most of the casualties, if not all, were Iraqi, some of the pilgrims may have been foreigners. Meanwhile, new allegations against an elite security force overseen directly by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki are surfacing.
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