Blasts in Karbala Aim to Provide Excuse for Longer US Military Presence in Iraq

A spokesman for the Shiite Sadr Movement stressed that the multiple bomb blasts in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala served as part of a broader plot hatched to spark sectarian strife in Iraq to justify a longer US military presence in the war-torn country.

“The main goals of these explosions are intensifying differences and ethnic tension between Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis to prepare the ground for extending the security deal and the US military mission in Iraq,” Sheikh Saleh al-Obeidi told FNA.

He also underlined the necessity for a serious revision of security measures and arrangements in Iraq’s holy cities, and stated, “The government should form an independent committee to deal seriously with those who have failed to do their duty in protecting the security in the city.”

Multiple bomb blasts killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 113 others in Karbala, hosting the Shrine of the Muslims third Imam, earlier today.

Police said a bomb exploded outside the offices where passport and identity cards are issued. Officials said other blasts went off when emergency responders arrived

Karbala, a major holy city 80 km (50 miles) Southwest of the capital Baghdad, has been the scene of attacks in the last few years.

A suicide bomber targeting pilgrims on their way to Karbala killed four people and wounded 17 others on Thursday.