Shiite pilgrims killed in Baghdad

Five Iraqis were killed when gunmen opened fire on Shiite pilgrims in two separate incidents in Baghdad today.

Three people were killed and six wounded in the Bab al-Muadam area of northern Baghdad around mid-morning local time, police said.

Earlier, two Shiite pilgrims were killed in south Baghdad's Dora neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, a large cloud of black smoke rose over northern Baghdad. The cause is not immediately clear.