BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials say a triple bombing targeting Shiites observing a key religious ritual killed at least eight people in the country’s east. A police officer says three bombs went off simultaneously on Wednesday near a group of Shiites commemorating the 7th century death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein. The attack in the city of Baqouba, a former al-Qaida stronghold, also wounded 35 people. The ritual is a yearly mourning period known as Ashoura, which draws hundreds of thousands of Shiites. It’s often targeted by Sunni extremists who consider Shiites to be heretics. The officer says two children, aged 9 and 10 years, were among the dead. A medical official confirmed the casualty figure. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information. © 2013 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, […]