Over 140,000 Pilgrims Enter Iraq Ahead of Ashura

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Some 142,000 foreign pilgrims have arrived in Iraq to attend Ashura mourning ceremonies in the holy city of Karbala, an official said.

Major General Sami al-Sudani, director general of Iraq’s border crossings department, said the pilgrims have entered the Arab country from various border crossings, including those in the provinces of Basra, Wasit and Amarah, al-Furat news website reported.

According to al-Sumaria news channel, some 30,000 Iranians enter Iraq every day to participate in the mourning rituals.

Meanwhile, Iraqi military and security forces have stepped up necessary measures to ensure security for the pilgrims.

Shia Muslims, and others in different parts of the world, hold ceremonies every year in the month of Muharram to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.

Imam Hussein (AS) and a small group of his followers and family members were martyred by the tyrant of his time - Yazid Bin Moaweya, in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram (known as Ashura) in the year 680 AD.

This year, Ashura falls on Wednesday, October 12.

http://iqna.ir/fa/news/3537011