Large explosions at Iraq campaign rally for Shiite group Asaib Ahl al-Haq ahead of election

BAGHDAD – There have been a series of explosions at a campaign rally for a Shiite group in Iraq's capital, Baghdad.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene heard a series of blasts as the Shiite group Asaib Ahl al-Haq announced its slate of candidates for Iraq's parliamentary election Wednesday.

There were some 10,000 people gathered for the rally. Candidates were rushed out of the stadium.

Followers of Asaib Ahl al-Haq carried out deadly attacks against U.S. troops before their withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 and claimed responsibility for the 2007 kidnapping of a British contractor along with his four guards.