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Many Killed in Car Bomb Attack Targeting Iranian Pilgrims in Iraq

by Associated Press

   Iraqi officials say a car bomb south of Baghdad has killed at least 21
   people, including 10 Iranian pilgrims.

   Reuters, however, reported that more than 80 were killed in the attack,
   and that the Islamic State terror group had claimed responsibility for
   the attack.

   Hospital and police officials say Thursday's attack, which wounded 32
   others, took place at a gas station near the city of Hilla.

   The officials say the target of the attack appears to have been a bus
   carrying Iranian pilgrims heading home after taking part in a major
   Shiite holiday in the holy city of Karbala.

   "At least seven buses with pilgrims were inside the petrol station at
   the time," a police lieutenant colonel told AFP.

   The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not
   authorized to speak to the media.