40 killed in Iraq suicide attack

An official told the BBC that a bomber wearing a suicide vest had detonated his device in a crowd. At least 60 people were injured in the attack.

The blast happened on a main route to the Shia city of Karbala, which is hosting a religious festival.

The bomb comes despite a recent lull in violence following a US troop increase.

Police told the BBC the bomber walked into a comfort station for pilgrims and then detonated a device.

It was the second attack on Sunday targeting pilgrims walking towards Karbala to attend Arbain.

 The festival commemorates the end of a 40-day mourning period following Ashura, a religious ritual that marks the death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson.