One killed, four injured in bomb blast near Shia pilgrims in Baghdad

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) One person was killed, five others were injured as an IED, that targeted Shia pilgrims, exploded on al-Resala al-Oula district in Baghdad, a security source said.

“A bomb planted near Shia pilgrims on al-Resala al-Oula district in al-Baiyaa region, south of Baghdad, exploded leaving one person killed and four others wounded,” the source told Al Ghad Press on Thursday.

“Security troops cordoned off the blast spot preventing approach of citizens in fear of other blasts,” the source said, adding that “the forces kept the pilgrims en route to Kadhimiyah neighborhood away from the place and guided them to alternative roads.

Troops, according to the source, are searching for other bombs that could have been placed by terrorists in the district.

Tight security measures are imposed to protect the pilgrims who commemorate the death anniversary of Imam Musa al-Kadhim, the seventh of 12 imams revered in Shia Islam.

Violence in the country, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), left 1115 casualties, excluding security members, during March. Baghdad was the second most affected province with 84 deaths and 246 injuries, according to the organization’s monthly casualty count.

While several blasts are not followed by a claim of responsibility, Islamic State militants said they had been behind some bloody explosions and attacks that hit the capital in the past months, leaving casualties among civilians and security troops.

Islamic State is believed to have begun escalating attacks outside the city of Mosul, where the group has been losing ground and personnel since October, so as to relieve pressure by government forces on that front and to divert attention from group losses.