10 killed as snipers target pilgrims' parade

Sniper attacks on a Shiite religious procession left 10 pilgrims dead and 43 injured in several places in Baghdad today.

The attacks took place from roof tops of buildings and houses along the route of the religious procession as it wound its way to the shrine of Imam Moussa Kadhim, an 8th century saint, in Kazimiyah in north Baghdad.

At least 10 pilgrims were killed and 43 injured “in various areas across Baghdad," said Major General Mahdi al-Gharawi, the commander of the 1st Division of the national police.

Other police officials said security forces killed two snipers in Fadhil, a Sunni district near Kazimiyah, and shot two suspected insurgents in Zafraniyah, a mixed neighbourhood, when they tried to mingle with the crowd.