Suicide bombers strike as Shia pilgrimage underway

[bemildred]

KARBALA, Iraq - Two suicide car bombers on Monday struck checkpoints south of Baghdad on a road used by thousands of Iraqi Shia pilgrims making their way by foot to the holy city of Karbala.

At least 10 Iraqis were killed, including seven policemen and a soldier, when the suicide car bombers struck two separate checkpoints, half-way between Baghdad and Karbala, a defence ministry official said.

At least 12 people, including a number of Shia pilgrims, were wounded, he added.

Meanwhile, Iraqi demonstrators clashed with British soldiers in the southern city of Basra, setting two tanks on fire, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

KhaleejTimes

[daninthemoon]

1. Is there any possibilty this stuff will happen at the Haj?

[bemildred]

2. It sometimes does, IIRC. nt

[bemildred]

4. This seems to have been aimed at checkpoints and police/soldiers though.

So it's more standard resistance stuff.

[aquart]

3. I suppose it never occurs to anyone

NOT to make a pilgrimage in time of war?

Am I too practical?

[daninthemoon]

5. You're absolutely right. My dummy stepson is trying to go, though.

[Ben Ceremos]

6. FYI

to die while engaging in the Haj is to be granted a place in Heaven automatically, according to general Islamic principles. Believers need not fear being killed when the reward is to see Allah (the Almighty and Compassionate). I don't know about your stepson, but his faith seems quite strong and could be the main reason he is willing to go on the Haj despite the threat of death. I wish him success and safety, and I wish you understanding. Malekum as Salaam, out.