Originally published on December 20, 2013 <br /><br />Strings of attacks targeting Shi'ite pilgrims killed at least 36 people on Thursday (December 19) ahead of a major holy day next week.<br /><br />According to Reuters, the first major attack of the day took place in Doura, southern Baghdad when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive belt near a funeral tent, killing at least 16 Shi'ite pilgrims and wounded 31.<br /><br />The second and third bombings took place in Latifiya region, some 40 km south of Baghdad. A suicide bomber set himself off amid a group of Shi'ite pilgrims who were coming from Kirkuk in the north. Nine people were killed. The third bombing killed another 11 people.<br /><br />No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.<br /><br />Many Shi'ite pilgrims are journeying to Karbala for Arbaeen, a ritual to commemorate the death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein. The 40-day observance has become a common target for acts of terror.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world.<br /><br />For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:<br />https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:<br />http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Stay connected with us here:<br />Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Google+ http://gplus.to/TomoNewsUS
