KARBALA, Iraq: Shiite Muslims from around the world thronged an Iraqi shrine city on Thursday (Friday in Manila) amid heavy security after attacks killed 17 worshippers during annual commemoration rituals often targeted by Sunni militants.

The Ashura ceremonies, which mark the death of a venerated figure in Shiite Islam, come amid a months-long surge in violence nationwide that has forced Baghdad to appeal for help from Washington in combating militancy.

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