Iraqi police say car bomb blast kills 20 Shiite pilgrims on outskirts of holy city of Karbala

Iraqi police: Car bomb kills 20 Shiite pilgrims

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi police official says a car bomb explosion on the outskirts of the southern holy city of Karbala has killed at least 20 Shiite pilgrims.

The official says the blast occurred Friday at about 12:15 p.m. just east of Karbala.

He says dozens have been wounded in the blast. A second police official confirmed the casualty toll.

Assailants have targeted Shiite pilgrims in several bomb attacks in recent days.

The latest blast comes during the culmination of a pilgrimage to the city south of Baghdad to mark a Shiite holy day.

Both police officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BAGHDAD (AP) — An Iraqi police official says a car bomb explosion on the outskirts of the southern holy city of Karbala has killed at least 20 Shiite pilgrims.

The official says the blast occurred Friday at about 12:15 p.m. just east of Karbala.

He says dozens have been wounded in the blast. A second police official confirmed the casualty toll.

Assailants have targeted Shiite pilgrims in several bomb attacks in recent days.

The latest blast comes during the culmination of a pilgrimage to the city south of Baghdad to mark a Shiite holy day.