At least 50 people have been killed in the southern Iraqi city of Basra when a suicide bomber disguised as a policeman targeted a group of Shi'ite pilgrims.
The head of Basra's health directorate, Riyadh Abdul Amir, confirmed at least 50 people were killed in the attack and some 100 other people were wounded in the blast.
Police said the bomber was wearing a police uniform and had an ID badge so he aroused no suspicion when he approached a checkpoint where Shi'ite pilgrims were waiting.
Shi'ites are marking the end of Arbain, one of the main holy days in the Shi'ite calendar.
Shi'ites are marking the end of Arbain, one of the main holy days in the Shi'ite calendar.
The attack comes a day after two car bombs exploded in Baghdad, killing at least 14 people.
The attacks were aimed at police officers as well as Shi'ite pilgrims making their way to the holy city of Karbala.
Police and hospital officials said one of the Baghdad blasts struck near a police vehicle in the northeast Shi'ite neighborhood of Al-Shaab, killing six people, including police officers.
The second bomb went off in the western neighborhood of Muwasalat, which is largely Sunni.
A wave of attacks primarily targeting Shi'ites has killed more than 90 people in less than one week.
compiled from agency reports
A wave of attacks primarily targeting Shi'ites has killed more than 90 people in less than one week.
compiled from agency reports
