At least three people were killed following a pair of bombings in Iraq on Friday.

Security officials say a bomb placed under a parked car exploded near the holy city of Karbala, killing at least two people. The blast occurred as thousands of Shi'ite pilgrims gathered for a religious festival in the city.

Meanwhile, officials say a roadside bomb exploded in Baghdad, killing one person and leaving three wounded.

The incidents took place as the U.S. moves ahead with plans to remove its forces from Iraq by the end of the year.

However, U.S. and Iraqi officials have expressed concern about Baghdad's ability to cope with security after the pull-out.