ZUBAIR, Iraq (AP) — Iraqi officials say a bomb has killed at least 15 Shiite pilgrims near the southern port city of Basra.
The governor of Basra province's spokesman Ayad al-Emarah said it was not clear whether Saturday's blast near a shrine close to the town of Zubair was caused by a suicide attacker or a roadside bomb.
An official at the Basra Health Directorate and a police official confirmed the death toll. They spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to release details to the media.
The attacks come as Shiites commemorate the climax of Arbaeen, which marks the end of 40 days of mourning following the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, a revered Shiite figure.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ZUBAIR, Iraq (AP) — Iraqi officials say a bomb has killed at least five Shiite pilgrims near the southern city of Basra.
A police official said at least 10 pilgrims were killed in the attack on a shrine in the town of Zubair. A morgue official reported at least five dead in the Saturday blast.
Conflicting death tolls are not unusual in the immediate aftermath of an attack.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to the media.
The attacks come as Shiites commemorate the climax of Arbaeen, which marks the end of 40 days of mourning following the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, a revered Shiite figure.
Shares