Three coordinated bombings killed at least 8 Shiite pilgrims north of Iraq's capital Wednesday, according to Agence France-Presse. 10 others were reported wounded.
The bombs were targeting a procession of Shiites who were in Baquba walking towards their holy city of Karbala to celebrate the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, a prominent figure in the Shiite religion who is believed to be the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. His death represents the "symbolic split" between Sunni and Shiite sects.
The annual event is part of the Ashura commemorations that are due to peak on Thursday.
More than 5,600 people have been killed this year in Iraq, marking the worst wave of violence the country has witnessed since 2008.
