Originally published on December 20, 2013

Strings of attacks targeting Shi'ite pilgrims killed at least 36 people on Thursday (December 19) ahead of a major holy day next week.

According to Reuters, the first major attack of the day took place in Doura, southern Baghdad when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive belt near a funeral tent, killing at least 16 Shi'ite pilgrims and wounded 31.

The second and third bombings took place in Latifiya region, some 40 km south of Baghdad. A suicide bomber set himself off amid a group of Shi'ite pilgrims who were coming from Kirkuk in the north. Nine people were killed. The third bombing killed another 11 people.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Many Shi'ite pilgrims are journeying to Karbala for Arbaeen, a ritual to commemorate the death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein. The 40-day observance has become a common target for acts of terror.

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