Muslims mark Eid holiday in shadow of violence

A spate of violent attacks has coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on Sunday.

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the last day of the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, and honors Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael on God's orders.

However, this year violence and unrest throughout the region have overshadowed the celebration for many.

Photos: Hajj 2011, muslims Pilgrimage to Mecca

In Syria, at least 10 people have been killed by security forces as they took demonstrated against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, BBC reported.

According to the AFP, eight of the protesters who were killed were from the city of Homs. Many had emerged from Eid prayers on Sunday morning, when they were killed by security forces.

In Iraq, a triple blast in the historic district of Shurja in the capital of Baghdad has killed at least eight people, and has injured 21 more, BBC reported.

The attacks came as people were buying food for the Muslim festival, and were believed to have been planted throughout the market despite the increase in security for Eid in the country.

While violence against civilians is still routine in Iraq, overall violence has declined, BBC reported.

In Afghanistan, a suicide bomber has killed at least six people, and injured 12, near a mosque in the norther Baglan province, BBC reported.

The bomb was detonated as worshippers were leaving the mosque after prayers to mark the start of Eid al-Adha.

Siddiq Siddiqui, a spokesman for the interior ministry, condemned the "act of violence against civilians on this important day."

Initial investigations indicated the attack was the work of the Taliban, AFP reports.

In some parts of the Muslim world including Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on Monday.