BAGHDAD: A bomb killed five Shiite pilgrims in a procession in northeast Iraq today and blasts in Baghdad killed two more pilgrims as millions of people marched to commemorate the most important Shiite religious observance.

Pilgrims travelling to the southern holy city of Karbala have come under repeated attack during the 10-day religious ceremonies that culminated today with huge processions.

Tight security encircled Karbala, 80 km south of Baghdad, where 25,000 additional security personnel were deployed.

Snipers watched marchers from rooftops, and bomb detection dogs were used in the search for explosives.

A roadside bomb in the town of Tuz Khormato, 180 km northeast of Baghdad, struck worshippers this morning, killing five and wounding 28, police and medical officials said.

A police official said the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jassim Mohammed Jaafar, was among those in the targeted procession, but was unharmed. One of his bodyguards and a police captain were among the dead.

In western Baghdad, a roadside bomb targeted a minibus carrying pilgrims, killing one and injuring six, another police official said. The casualties were confirmed by a medical official.

Another pilgrim was killed in southern Baghdad late Saturday when a bomb struck a procession, police said. Ten people were injured.