BAGHDAD, Iraq (SPA) _ Sniper attacks on a major Shiite religious procession Sunday killed at least 17 pilgrims and injured 253 in several Baghdad districts, officials said. Four alleged gunmen were shot dead by police. The attacks took place from roof tops of buildings andhouses along the route of the procession as it wound itsway to the shrine of Imam Moussa Kadhim, an 8th centurysaint, in Kazimiyah in north Baghdad. Health Ministry spokesman Qassim Allawi said thecasualties occurred «due to terrorist assaults against thepilgrims» in Fadhil, Haifa and Saligh districts, allpredominantly Sunni areas. At least 17 people were killed and 253 injured, most ofthem slightly, said Interior Ministry spokesman Col. Saddoun Abu al-Ula. Only a few of the injuries were gunshot wounds and a majority were due to falls when people ran in panic, he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/383896