Iraq attack kills four Pakistani pilgrims: Officials

Roadside bomb exploded near a bus, followed by gunmen opening fire on the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

BAGHDAD: Gunmen blew up a bomb and opened fire at a bus packed with Pakistani pilgrims, killing four worshippers and wounding 11 others north of Baghdad, officials said on Friday.

The coordinated attacks took place late Thursday near the town of Balad, with security officials and medics identifying the victims as Shias from Pakistan. There was no immediate confirmation from the Pakistani embassy.

An initial roadside bomb exploded near the bus at one of the main entrances to Balad, followed by gunmen opening fire on the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

A police lieutenant colonel in the town and a doctor at Balad's main hospital said four pilgrims, whom they identified as Pakistani citizens, were killed and 11 people were wounded. All of the victims were men.

Iraq, home to some of Shia’s most venerated sites, draws pilgrims from across the world, but they are often the targets of violence carried out by militants.

Violence in Iraq is down sharply from its peak in 2006 and 2007, when communal bloodshed left tens of thousands dead, but attacks are still common.