UN envoy deplores 'appalling' attacks on pilgrims en route to Iraqi holy city

The top United Nations official in Iraq has strongly condemned the suicide attacks which earlier this week left dozens of people dead and wounded as they headed to the holy city of Karbala.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative, Staffan de Mistura, described the 24 and 25 February attacks as “appalling crimes against humanity in targeting innocent believers practicing their religion.

“These acts deserve universal condemnation,” he declared.

The Special Representative expressed his solidarity with the people of Iraq and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.