More fatal anti-Shiite attacks
June 18, 2012A suicide bomber detonated a bomb at a Shiite funeral on Monday, killing at least 15 and wounding 40 more.
The blast occurred in a tent where mourners, including several high-ranking armed forces members, were paying respects to the family of a Shiite tribal leader in Baquba, authorities said. Baquba is located 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of the capital, Baghdad.
Iraq's al Qaeda wing, Islamic State of Iraq, has claimed responsibility for recent attacks in an effort to fuel tensions and weaken Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government.
A number of bombings have targeted Shiite pilgrims and religious sites, killing at least 130 people and raising fears of more sectarian violence and bloodshed.
Violence in Iraq has declined dramatically since its peak in 2006-2007, but attacks remain common, especially in the capital.
tm/rc (AP, AFP, Reuters)