At least 14 people have been killed in a roadside bomb that hit a bus carrying a family returning from a funeral in southern Iraq.
Up to 22 people were wounded in the blast.
The explosion happened about 60km south of Nassiriya, capital of Dhi Qar province.
Police at Nassiriya general hospital said the casualties included women and children.
Major Tom Holloway, spokesman for British forces in the southern city of Basra, said the bus had been heading southwards from the Shia holy city of Najaf to Basra when it was hit by what was described as a massive roadside bomb.
Major Holloway said the bomb had apparently been intended for a US military convoy heading northwards on the road.
