Suicide bomber targets Shiites in Iraqi capital, kills 7
BAGHDAD: Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber has killed at least seven people who were setting up tents for a major Shiite religious observance next month.
A police officer says the bomber struck Sunday as residents of a western Baghdad neighbourhood were preparing for Ashoura, which commemorates the 7th century death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
No one immediately claimed the attack. The Islamic State group and other Sunni extremists frequently target Iraq's Shiite majority, who they view as apostates deserving of death.
Another 19 people were wounded in the attack. A medical official confirmed the toll. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to release information.
