Official: Seven pilgrims killed in Iraq

BAGHDAD, July 27 (UPI) -- Seven Shiite pilgrims were killed near Baghdad Sunday during a pilgrimage to honor Imam Moussa al-Kadhim, an Iraqi Interior Ministry official said.

The unidentified official said the attack occurred as a number of pilgrims were traveling to the northwestern town of Kadhimiya, where they were to honor the seventh of the 12 Shia imams, CNN reported.

The official said a search had begun for the individuals behind the attack.

With hundreds of thousands of Shiite followers conducting a pilgrimage to honor the death of the religious leader, Brig. Gen Qassim Atta announced a large security effort Sunday to protect the travelers.

"A large number of security forces have deployed to provide security for the pilgrims by establishing checkpoints and by sending foot patrols and preparing additional forces to deal with emergencies," the Iraqi military spokesman in Baghdad said.