Three people have been reported injured on Thursday midnight when 12 mortar shells landed in the outskirts of Iraq’s Karbala city.

Three people have been reported injured on Thursday midnight when 12 mortar shells landed in the outskirts of Iraq's Karbala city, Al-Manar Website correspondent said.

The attack occurred in the strategic road paved in the desert, linking Karbala and Najaf provinces, which is not the road used by Arbaeen pilgrims.
Mortars fell outside the old city over Seif Saad, Taawon, Benaa Jahez and Bab Tweirej neighborhoods.

Explosions were heard in Karbala and nearby areas.

None of the armed terrorist groups operating in iraq has claimed responsibility so far.

According to Iraqi sources, at least 17 million pilgrims had arrived in Karbala until Thursday to participate in Arbaeen rituals – to be held on Saturday -- and the number is still increasing.

Arbaeen occurs 40 days after Ashura, the day of martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).