Local officials said the explosion may have gone off early and been intended to target a larger Ashura gathering.

WSJ: Attacks Point to New Afghan Conflict

Banned from organizing the dramatic Ashura processions under the Taliban, Afghan Shiites have also become increasingly assertive in displaying their religious beliefs.

WSJ: Attacks Point to New Afghan Conflict

It celebrates the end of the 40-day Ashura period honoring Hussein's martyrdom.

CNN: Pilgrims flood Karbala on final holy day

Al-Hakim successfully harnessed the fervor generated from emotional religious rituals like Ashura, a national day of fasting, and turned them into a powerful political platform.

CNN: Mourning in Iran and Iraq for dead Shiite leader

The spreading public celebrations during the 10 days of Ashura, including large gateways draped in black cloth erected over Kabul's main streets have irked some of the city's majority Sunni residents.

WSJ: Attacks Point to New Afghan Conflict

The report, which was signed by U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and sent to senators and U.S. representatives on defense committees, said Iran is continuing to develop other missiles that can hit Israel and Eastern Europe, including an extended-range Shabab-3 and a medium-range ballistic missile called the Ashura that can fly more than 1, 200 miles.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS