There was a series of nine explosions in the Iraqi city of Karbala Monday morning, according to the latest CNN report.

Simultaneous explosions also rattled Shiite neighborhoods in the country's capital Baghdad.

It was earlier announced that six blasts rocked the Shiite city, where millions of pilgrims flocked to attend the culmination of the major Muslim Ashoura holiday.

Many people are believed to have died in the attacks.

Multinational peacekeeping forces in the city, that are under Polish command, include a Bulgarian battalion. There is still no information on whether any of the Bulgarians might have been wounded.

Meanwhile, the authorities are reportedly trying to get involved and bring calm among the huge crowds of Shia Muslims. Many of the pilgrims, however, reportedly seemed rather undisturbed by the attacks, and continued praying on one of the holiest days for the Shiite Muslims.

This is the first time in three decades they are able to mark the day, as during Saddam Hussein's regime no Ashoura celebrations were allowed.

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