Various attacks hit Shia pilgrims yesterday, the worst in Hilla where at least pilgrims died on their way to the holy city of Karbala. Iraqi PM pins blame on Saddam’s followers for trying to fuel sectarian violence.

Baghdad (AsiaNews/Agencies) – It was the deadliest day since the Americans and the Iraqis launched a new plan to end sectarian violence in the country three weeks ago. Altogether 118 people died in various attacks. The worst took place in Hilla, south of the capital, where at least 90 Shia pilgrims, including many women and children, were killed and more than 150 wounded in a double suicide bombing.

The blasts occurred inside a tent set up to provide refreshments to pilgrims on their way to Karbala to celebrate Arba'een, the 40th day after Ashurah, a sacred day for Shiites which falls on March 9.

Yesterday’s massacre provoked a firm condemnation by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who said he was “outraged”. In response he urged all Iraqi factions to face the situation with calm and told political leaders to find the culprits.

The local population reacted angrily to the incident. Shots were fired in the area as Iraq’s national security forces were blamed for failing to protect pilgrims from extremists.

For Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Sunni followers of the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein are responsible for the deed, interested only in sowing mayhem and sectarian violence. 

Elsewhere in Iraq, including Baghdad, other attacks left 28 Shiites dead.

• iraq
• karbala
• hilla
• attacks
• bombings
• ashurah
• arba’een