Massive security measures for Shiite pilgrims in Kerbala
Baghdad (AsiaNews) – Long lines of pilgrims, young and old are making there way to Kerbala 80 km south of Baghdad, under the cover of a massive security operation to avoid terrorist attacks.
More than 2 million Shiite faithful from throughout the world were expected to converge on the Shiite holy city for the celebrations, which reach their high point late Tuesday and early Wednesday. The Shabaniyah festival marks the birth of Mohammed al-Mahdi, the 12th and last Shiite imam who disappeared in the 9th century. Religious Shiites refer to al-Mahdi as the "Hidden Imam," believing he was spared death and will return to Earth to bring peace and justice. Kerbala is a scared city for Shiite Islam because it is the site of the martyrdom of Hussein, Mohammad’s nephew, killed by the caliph Yazid I.
Massive security measures have been put in place to avoid an explosion of sectarian violence. 11 thousand police will be on duty to control the 16 city quarters, with 4 levels of check points. Iraqi authorities have banned all vehicles, including cars and trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and horse-drawn wagons. Pilgrims would be forbidden to carry mobile phones, which can be used to detonate bombs, and large bags which could conceal weapons. Before entering the city every single person will be subjected to a body check. Police asked hotel owners not to accept guests who have no passports or residency papers as protection against Sunni extremists infiltrating the crowds. Police said vehicles would be banned from the city centre to prevent car bombings near the two mosques that are the focal point of the commemorations. U.S. and other international troops will provide water to pilgrims along the route to Karbala. In order to avoid attacks from the outset of the pilgrimage, since Saturday motor bikes and vehicles have been banned in the capital. Saturday august 25, 6 pilgrims and a woman were killed closet o Baghdad, on the road to Kerbala.
Shiite pilgrimages, banned under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, have become common since 2003. They have also however become the target of terrorist attacks, attributed to Sunni groups or Al Qaeda. March last during another pilgrimage over 340 people were killed on the road to Kerbala.
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