BAGHDAD (AP) Insurgents continue their attacks on Shiite pilgrims marching to a shrine for a major religious gathering.

Three pilgrims on the outskirts of Baghdad were killed Monday by a roadside bomb.

The attack follows a major suicide bombing Sunday that killed at least 40 people and wounded 60, making it one of the deadliest this year. Hours earlier, extremists attacked another group with guns and grenades, killing three and wounding 36.

In all, 46 people have died in three attacks on pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad.

The Shiite pilgrimage is to commemorate the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, one of Shiite Islam's most revered figures.

Major Shiite commemorations have frequently been targeted by suspected Sunni insurgents led by al-Qaida in Iraq.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-25-08 0139CST | save this article / add to your favorites list