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Suicide Attack On Shi'ite Pilgrims In Baghdad Kills 7


A man wearing an explosive belt has attacked Shi'ite pilgrims in Baghdad, killing seven people, including two police officers.

The attack, which also wounded some 20 people, occurred in Baghdad's eastern Al-Shaab neighborhood on October 26.

Reports said the suicide attacker targeted a tent serving refreshments to pilgrims marking Ashura, a 10-day ritual in which Shi'ite Muslims commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Islamic State (IS) group, which seized large swaths of Syria and Iraq in a lightning offensive in June 2014, claimed responsibility for the blast.

IS militants have claimed previous bombings on Shi'ite targets, and have also frequently targeted members of the Iraqi security forces as they seek to destabilize the Shi'ite-led Baghdad government.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP

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