(AKI) - At least 30 people were killed and 35 others were wounded in a suicide attack south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Friday. The bombing which occurred near the town of Iskandariya, was the third in a string of attacks targeting Shia pilgrims in Iraq.The bomber reportedly hid her explosives under an abaya, a traditional garment. "A female bomber blew up an explosives belt strapped to her body among a crowd of Shia pilgrims who are heading for Karbala," a source told the news agency, Voices of Iraq.
Many of the victims were women and children and the death toll was expected to increase.
Scores of pilgrims from all over Iraq and other countries have begun their pilgrimage to Karbala.
An official local source said nearly 125,000 Arab and foreign pilgrims had arrived in Karbala for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage scheduled for Monday. Scores of pilgrims from inside and outside Iraq have started the long trek on foot for the pilgrimage. There is increased security at Iraq's holy sites in preparation for the occasion.
Friday's blast came a day after eight people were killed in a bombing in Karbala where the pilgrims are gathering for the religious festival.