The suicide blast killed eight people and wounded at least 40, including several children, according to officials.

Later a third suicide blast targeted the city's main hospital.

This suicide blast was also reportedly followed by firing, according to local reports within the area.

The fatalities of this suicide blast apparently included at least 1 police officer, 2 children and 3 other civilians.

The suicide blasts were small, officials said, killing only the attackers while damaging two security vehicles.

It was later known that this suicide blast took place at the gate to the local administrator's office, according to witnesses within the local area.

Four persons, including a young girl, who was married on Sunday last, were critically wounded in the firing, grenade attack and suicide blast.

This is especially true in the case of suicide blasts which produce casualties regardless of political or cultural affiliation.

Shortly before the suicide blast in Karbala, a roadside bomb outside the city exploded and killed five American soldiers.

In January this year, 37 people were killed in a suicide blast at Moscow's Domodedovo airport.