Suicide bombing at Shiite procession in Pakistan’s Karachi kills 20

Suicide bombing in Karachi kills 20

KARACHI, Pakistan — A top health official says a bombing targeting a Shiite Muslim procession in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi has killed 20 people and wounded 60.

Provincial Health Minister Sagheer Ahmad says many of the wounded are in critical condition and the death toll could rise.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the start of Monday’s procession.

The march was marking Ashura, the 10th day of the holy month of Muharram, a month of mourning commemorating the seventh-century death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.

Muharram has often been marred by bombings and fighting between Pakistan’s Sunni Muslim majority and its Shiite minority. Some parts of the Muslim world celebrated Ashura on Sunday.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Officials say a suicide bombing targeting a Shiite Muslim procession in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi has killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens more.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the bomber detonated his explosives at the start of Monday’s procession. Mohammad Irfan, an official at the city’s Civil Hospital, said 10 people had been killed.

Security has been tightened across Pakistan for Ashura, which is the 10th day of the holy month of Muharram, a month of mourning commemorating the seventh-century death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.

Muharram has often been marred by bombings and fighting between Pakistan’s Sunni Muslim majority and its Shiite minority. Some parts of the Muslim world celebrated Ashura on Sunday.