IRC Guard Killed in Karbala Bombing

Saeed Abadi Bani, a guard at the IRC's office in Karbala, Iraq, was killed Tuesday, March 2, during a series of attacks in the city. He was 40, and leaves a wife and eight children.

Saeed, who had been on duty Tuesday morning when the attacks began, left his post and rushed by bicycle to the scene of the first bombing.

“Saeed's death is a tragic loss, and we express our deepest sympathies to his wife, children and family,” said Michael Kocher, head of the IRC's operations in Iraq. “He was a valued member of our staff.”

Authorities said at least 140 people died Tuesday in Karbala and Baghdad at the hand of suicide bombers and attackers setting off grenades, mortars and roadside bombs. An estimated 300 to 400 people were injured. The targets of the attacks were Shiite Muslims observing the holy day of Ashura.