DHAKA: A bomb exploded near a mosque in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Tuesday, killing eight worshippers after the first prayer of the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, or Eid al-Adha.

Iraq police and medical sources said, reports The Jerusalem Post.

Insurgents usually intensify their attacks during religious holidays in Iraq, and security officials expect more violence over the coming days.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in bloodshed so far this year as Sunni Islamist and other insurgents regain ground and momentum in an onslaught against Iraq’s Shia-led government.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Tuesday’s attack.

‘I was on my way home nearby when I heard the explosion. I ran back to see what had happened and there were many killed and wounded people,’ said Ibrahim Mohammed.

‘There is drilling work on one of the mosque pillars and the bomb was placed there.’

Fifteen people were wounded in the blast, said authorities.

BDST: 1725 HRS, OCT 15, 2013
RoR/JCK