Iraq deploying 8,000 to Karbala as 3 million Shia trek to holy ceremony

The most important day in the Shia calendar is Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad. On this day observant Shia men cut their heads in remembrance.

KARBALA, Iraq (AFP) - Iraq has said it is deploying 8,000 policemen and security guards in and around the shrine city of Karbala for the Shiite mourning ceremony of Ashura, a frequent target of insurgent attacks.

Karbala governor Akil al-Khuzai said Saturday nearly three million pilgrims were expected to flock to the city for the ceremony, the holiest on the Shiite calendar, which begins Sunday and culminates on January 30.

"Attacks this year could be more severe," Khuzai said, because of heightened sectarian tension in Iraq that pits Shiite militias against Sunni extremists.

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