Two people were killed and three injured Sunday when a suicide bomber blew himself up while targeting a group of Shiite pilgrims in the Iraqi city of Baquba, security sources said, dpa reported.
Wearing an explosive belt, the bomber targeted a group of Shiites heading to participate in processions for Ashura, an annual day of mourning when Shiite Muslims mark the death of Imam Hussein, Prophet Mohammed's grandson, in the Battle of Karbala in the year 680.
Baquba is located some 60 kilometres north east of Baghdad.
Over a million pilgrims are expected in Karbala city, south of Baghdad, later this week for the culmination of Ashura,
Safeguarding pilgrims during major Shiite festivals remains a challenge for security forces. Previous years have seen Ashura processions attacked.
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