Shafaqna – BBC reported “Huge numbers of Shia Muslim pilgrims have gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala for the climax of a key festival, despite threats of violence.
Iraq says up to 17 million made the pilgrimage over 40 days this year, more than a million from Iran, and many remain for the ceremony of Arbaeen.
Tight security aimed to prevent attacks by Islamic State and other Sunni militant groups.
Arbaeen commemorates the death of a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
The ceremony is held to mark the death of Imam Hussain, who died in battle at Karbala.
There have been no reports of major incidents at this year’s Arbaeen.
The governor of Kerbala called the success of the pilgrimage “one of the chapters of victories” against Islamic State (IS).
IS regards Shia Muslims as heretics and regularly targets them in attacks throughout Iraq”.
Source:BBC
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