Three killed, several hurt as Shiite worshippers targeted in mortar attack скачать в хорошем качестве

Three killed, several hurt as Shiite worshippers targeted in mortar attack

(24 Aug 2012) STORYLINE: A mortar fire attack targeting Shiite Muslim worshippers killed at least three people and wounded eight in eastern Baghdad on Friday, police and health officials said. It was the first deadly attack in Iraq after several days of calm during a three-day holiday earlier this week to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Before the Eid al-Fitr holiday, more than 200 people were killed in August violence across Iraq. Sunni insurgents frequently attack Shiites in an attempt to revive sectarian fighting and undermine the Shiite-dominated government. In Friday's violence, police said a mortar shell landed near a mosque shortly after the start of Friday prayers in the Shiite district of Sadr City. The sermon was delivered by a backer of the Shiite firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The Sadrist preacher, Nassir al-Saadi, was slightly wounded in the attack, said police. A second mortar hit within a minute, landing about 500 metres (550 yards) away from the mosque. Medics at a nearby hospital confirmed the casualties. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to reporters. Iraqi officials had warned of large-scale attacks during the Islamic holiday, and security measures were tightened in all over the country, especially in the capital. There were few incidents. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...