Millions of mourners attending Imam Hussain chehlum in Karbala

KARBALA: Millions of mourners have gathered in Iraqi city of Karbala to observe the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

After dozens of people were killed in three successive attacks at the mourners during the last few days, the government has taken strict security measures and deployed 40,000 Iraqi army troops in Karbala where millions of mourners are taking part in the chehlum.

They are expressing their feelings of sorrow and sadness through performing sozkhani and chestbeating over the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.

Hazrat Hussain along with his sons and other family members and friends was martyred by Yazid’s army on Muharram 10, 0061 Hijrah.

Iraqi police say female suicide bomber kills 30

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi police official says a female suicide bomber has killed 30 people and wounded 35 others south of Baghdad.

It was the third bombing in as many days targeting Shiite pilgrims.

The official says the bomber attacked a procession of hundreds of Shiite pilgrims who were walking Friday for religious ceremonis in the holy city of Karbala and most of the dead and wounded were women and children.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media