BAGHDAD: One person was killed by rocket fire on Friday in the city of Karbala where huge crowds of pilgrims were gathering for religious ceremonies, a local police commander said.

He said the dead person was a Karbala resident and the rocket which killed him was fired from north of the city, an area where Islamic State (IS) fighters have battled Iraq’s army and Shia militia.

Iraqi officials say millions of Shia pilgrims from across Iraq and neighbouring countries are expected in Karbala for Saturday’s Arbain ceremonies.

Officials have said they expect militants to target the ceremonies, which are likely to be attended by a record number of foreign visitors after Iraqi authorities waived visa fees this year during the Arbain period.

This year’s ceremonies come six months after IS swept through much of northern Iraq and cemented its hold over Anbar province to the west of Baghdad.

Karbala, 80km southwest of Baghdad, has remained firmly under government control but there has been heavy fighting this year just 20 miles to the north.

In the town of Muqdadiya, mortar fire targeting a Shia mosque killed eight worshippers.

Police officials said the attack took place when several shells landed near the mosque as worshippers were leaving after the end of Friday prayers. Muqdadiyah is 90 kilometres north of Baghdad.

The mosque was partially damaged.

Police and hospital officials said at least eight people were killed and 21 others were wounded.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Published in Dawn December 13th , 2014