On Friday, April 24, two suicide bombers blew themselves up killing at least 55 people, including several Iranians, outside a shrine in Baghdad. This deadly attack is the second one targeting religious pilgrims in two days. The attacks took place near the Imam Musa Al Kadhim shrine in the Shiite neighborhood of Kadhimiyah in northern Baghdad. On Thursday, April 23, another suicide bombing in a restaurant northeast of Baghdad packed with Iranian religious pilgrims killed 56.
Although violence has decreased in Iraq, various armed groups are still able to strike with deadly results. In March 2009, at least 250 people were killed in violence.
Despite improving security such violence remains common in the capital. Conditions in Iraq are extremely dangerous. The risk of terrorism directed against foreigners remains extremely high. Be aware that most western Embassies strongly urge their citizens against travel to Iraq.
