Iraq: top UN envoy calls attacks against pilgrims ‘appalling and unjustified’

The top United Nations envoy to Iraq today strongly condemned recent attacks which have killed at least 40 pilgrims and wounded dozens more in Baghdad ahead of a major religious celebration.

“Appalling and unjustified crimes” is how Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, described the attacks, which occurred as pilgrims were preparing for the Ashura commemorations to mourn the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Media reports say a woman wearing an explosives belt blew herself up near one of the country’s most sacred Islamic shrines in the Al Kadhimiya area of the capital on Sunday, killing at least 40 people and injuring scores more. In addition, a booby trap detonated today wounded another dozen civilians.

Mr. de Mistura extended the UN’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims and its wishes for the full and speedy recovery of the wounded.