16 Million Pilgrims in Karbala for Arbaeen So far: Iraqi Official
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iraq’s Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi estimated the number of pilgrims converging on the holy city of Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen at 16 million.
Al-Obeidi, who visited Karbala to inspect the security measures on the eve of Arbaeen, said 16 million Iraqi and foreign pilgrims have arrived in the city so far.
Arbaeen marks the 40th day after the anniversary of martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite Imam.
Millions of Muslims have attended the overcrowded procession of pilgrims to commemorate the occasion.
Al-Obeidi described the situation in the city as "good" and said special security measures have been adopted to ensure security for the pilgrims.
Since a few weeks ago, Iraqi forces have tightened security to protect pilgrims against terrorist attacks ahead of the mourning rituals.
The Arbaeen mourning ceremony, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, falls on December 13 this year.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday praised the procession of pilgrims in Iraq marking Arbaeen as "the most unique and the greatest gathering of Muslims”.