Blast in Karbala, 20 killed

BAGHDAD: A bomb planted on a parked motorcycle exploded Wednesday on the outskirts of the holy city of Karbala, killing at least 20 Shiite pilgrims and wounding more than 100 others amid tight security for the huge religious procession.

The bomb exploded at about 11 a.m. in an area known as Ibrahimia, near the east entrance one of three into Karbala, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief media.

At least 108 people were wounded in the attack, the official said, adding that the area was clogged with pilgrims and the number of casualties could increase. A hospital official in Karbala, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the number of dead and wounded.

Hours earlier, two separate roadside bombs targeting Shiite pilgrims exploded in Baghdad, killing one and wounding seven others, a security official in the capital said.

The official said the first attack took place Wednesday at about6:15 a.m. in western Baghdad, killing one person and wounding three. He said a second explosion in southwest Baghdad wounded four pilgrims.The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.