UN envoy condemns attacks in Iraqi cities of Diwaniyah and Karbala

The United Nations top envoy in Iraq today strongly condemned attacks in the cities of Diwaniyah and Karbala which killed and injured dozens of people.

“I am deeply saddened by the atrocious attacks on civilians and pilgrims and the continuing suffering inflicted on the Iraqi people by those who wish to derail efforts to achieve stability and prosperity in Iraq,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Martin Kobler, in a statement.

According to media reports, at least 25 people have been killed and 40 wounded in a truck bombing at a market in Diwaniyah, while four people were killed when two car bombs targeting Shiite pilgrims exploded in the central city of Karbala.

Hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims are heading to Karbala this week for religious ceremonies which are expected to peak on Friday.

Mr. Kobler extended his condolences to the families of those who were killed and his wishes for a speedy recovery of those who were injured.