Millions of Shi'ites flock to Iraqi holy town as government fears Islamic State attack
- 9 years ago
All week, Shi'ites from across Iraq and neighboring states make a pilgrimage on foot to Kerbala.
It's for a religious ceremony called Arbain that culminates Saturday and marks the death of Imam Hussein 13 centuries ago.
They'll come by the millions, many walking for days.
Hundreds of thousands have already come from Iran alone.
But security is tight, as authorities fear Sunni fighters from Islamic State plan to "infiltrate" crowds and launch attacks against pilgrims.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SHI'ITE PILGRIM FROM BASRA, FADI ABBAS, SAYING:
"People from all provinces and all countries are flocking to the city. Thank God, this visit is seen as a challenge to Islamic State and all those who support and back them."
Security forces face a double challenge.
Many troops are diverted to tackle Islamic State fighters elsewhere in the country.
It's forced the government to rely more heavily on Shii'te militias to keep order.
But the governme
It's for a religious ceremony called Arbain that culminates Saturday and marks the death of Imam Hussein 13 centuries ago.
They'll come by the millions, many walking for days.
Hundreds of thousands have already come from Iran alone.
But security is tight, as authorities fear Sunni fighters from Islamic State plan to "infiltrate" crowds and launch attacks against pilgrims.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SHI'ITE PILGRIM FROM BASRA, FADI ABBAS, SAYING:
"People from all provinces and all countries are flocking to the city. Thank God, this visit is seen as a challenge to Islamic State and all those who support and back them."
Security forces face a double challenge.
Many troops are diverted to tackle Islamic State fighters elsewhere in the country.
It's forced the government to rely more heavily on Shii'te militias to keep order.
But the governme