Multiple bomb attacks kill 23 in Iraq

At least 23 people, mostly Shia pilgrims, have been killed and dozens more injured in a string of bomb attacks across Iraq.

In Baghdad, two separate car bomb attacks targeted Shia pilgrims heading to the southern holy city of Karbala on Monday, killing 17 people and wounding 44 others.

Five other Iraqis were also killed in similar violent attacks across the country as they were making their way to Karbala to commemorate the 40th day after Ashura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the third Shia Imam, Imam Hussein (PBUH).

Meanwhile, 15 Afghans were also injured in a car bombing on the outskirts of the central city of Hillah, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Baghdad.

Iraq has witnessed several bomb attacks since the beginning of 2012, particularly after the government issued an arrest warrant for the country's vice president Tariq al-Hashemi on charges of running a hit squad.

On January 5, at least 78 people were killed in bombings in the mainly Shia suburb district of Sadr city and the Kazimiyeh neighborhood in Baghdad and the southeastern city of Nassiriya.

Source: presstv.ir