Bomb blast kills, wounds several people in Iraq’s Babil

Several pilgrims have been killed and injured in a bomb explosion that hit Iraq’s central city of Babil, Press TV reports.

The incident took place on Wednesday after a car bomb exploded in the city, with reports saying many people were also injured.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the deadly attack that targeted Shia Muslims heading to the holy city of Karbala to commemorate the religious ceremony of Arbaeen.

Millions of Shia pilgrims from all over the world are gradually arriving in the holy city, located 80 kilometers south of Baghdad to commemorate the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam.

Scores of people have been killed in recent weeks across Iraq in attacks targeting pilgrims as they embark on the traditional walk to Karbala for the commemoration event, which will be held on Thursday.

On December 31, at least 23 people, including children, were killed and 80 others injured in a fresh wave of attacks in several cities and towns in Iraq.

On December 24, at least 48 people were killed and over 110 others wounded in similar attacks targeting both security guards and civilians across the country, marking the deadliest day in Iraq since November 29, when at least 50 people lost their lives.

The Iraqi government has stepped up efforts to increase security across the country over the past few months.