The Hindu : International : Suicide bombers target Shia mosques

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 19, 2005

International

International

Suicide bombers target Shia mosques

By Atul Aneja

MANAMA, FEB. 18. Suicide attacks on two Shia mosques in southern Baghdad have killed at least 17 persons and injured dozens more ahead of Ashura — the holiest day in the Shia calendar which falls tomorrow. (Agencies reported four bomb attacks and put the toll at 29).

According to the police, in the first attack in capital's Doura district, a suicide bomber detonated his belt of explosives after mingling with worshippers inside the mosque at 1p.m. local time. At least 14 persons were killed in this strike.

The second attack took place almost simultaneously at another mosque in western Baghdad. Two suicide bombers accompanied by gunmen were involved in that incident. However, one of the bombers was killed, and the other detonated his explosives prematurely following a gunfight with the guards at the mosque. Three people were killed in this strike. Doctors at the city's Yarmuk hospital were quoted as saying that casualties were being brought in cars and pick-up trucks. The attacks follow the announcement of final election results where the Shias have got an absolute majority.

Poll outcome

Iraq's election commission confirmed on Thursday that the Shia grouping, United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) has got 140 seats out of 275, which is equivalent to a 51 per cent majority in the new Iraqi Parliament. The UIA has already increased its strength by entering into a tie-up with one Shia and one Turkoman party, gaining six more seats for the coalition as a result. Most Sunni groups boycotted the polls and therefore stand marginalised at present.

In a show of strength , thousands of Shias marched through the city in connection with the observance of Ashura. Today's attacks took place despite Iraqi security forces stepping up security for Ashura in the wake of last year's bomb attacks against Shia worshippers in Baghdad and Karbala that killed at least 181 people.

In related developments, the police chief of Najaf said his two sons were found dead after being kidnapped a day earlier.

Journalists missing

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry said two Indonesian journalists were missing in Iraq and may have been kidnapped by uniformed gunmen.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Suicide bombers target Shia mosques

Putin backs Iran in nuclear row with U.S.

Row over bank robbery deepens

Taiwan issue: U.S., Japan make common cause

Khaleda alleges plot against Bangladesh

New evidence of prisoner abuse at Bagram

Gyanendra defends take-over

Activist's murder prompts Amazon curbs

France to weed out jargon

Mark Thatcher denies charges