Attacks aimed at Iraqi Shiite pilgrims kill at least 24

[Judi Lynn]

Source: CNN

updated 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
Attacks aimed at Iraqi Shiite pilgrims kill at least 24

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Insurgents in Iraq targeted Shiite Muslims on Sunday -- the second day of the Eid al-Fitr festival -- in separate attacks that left at least 24 dead, Iraqi officials said.

The deadliest attack happened in Samarra, north of Baghdad, where a car bomb detonated near a mosque in the city's center. The explosion was followed by clashes between gunmen and Iraqi security forces, according to Samarra police.

At least 18 were killed -- 10 civilians and eight security officers -- and 37 were wounded in the blast and gunfight in Samarra, police said.

Insurgents on Sunday also bombed a minibus in Baghdad as it carried pilgrims to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, killing at least six and wounding nine others -- including women and children -- Iraqi officials said.



Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/10/14/iraq.main/index.html