In Iraq, at least 41 people have been killed and 106 injured in a suicide bomb attack by a female bomber in north-east Baghdad. An interior ministry spokesman said the woman detonated her explosives vest among a group of pilgrims making the journey to Karbala, 80 kilometres from Baghdad. <br/><br/>According to Major General Qassim al-Moussawi the bomber had hidden the explosives under her abaya, a long, black over-garment. The Shia pilgrims were marking Arbaeen, the end of 40 days of mourning for the death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson. <br/><br/>Today's attack comes amid heightened tension between Sunni and Shia groups ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for March. Security has been increased around the revered Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala during the annual festival, which culminates on Friday.