Iraqi Suicide Blasts Kill 50

Suicide attacks in Iraq today killed at least 50 people and injured about 250, making it one of deadliest days in the country in months, Reuters reports. In Baghdad, three female suicide bombers blew themselves up during a religious pilgrimage, killing 28 and injuring 92. In the northern city of Kirkuk, a bomber killed 22 and wounded 150 at a demonstration against elections law. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but al-Qaeda is suspected. 

Women have carried out more than 20 suicide attacks this year, and al-Qaeda is thought to be relying more on women because they have more easily evaded security checks. Today's explosions in Baghdad come despite a major security clampdown ahead of a festival that commemorates the death of one of the principle imams of Shia Islam. More than 1 million pilgrims are expected to visit this week.
(More al-Qaeda stories.)