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Arbaeen draws millions of Shia to Kerbala in Iraq Shia pilgrims flock to Kerbala for Arbaeen climax
(35 minutes later)
Millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims have poured into the Iraqi city of Kerbala for the annual ceremony of Arbaeen, despite the threat of violence. Huge numbers of Shia Muslim pilgrims have gathered in the Iraqi city of Kerbala for the climax of a key festival, despite threats of violence.
Iraq says up to 17 million journeyed to the city this year - one of the largest attendances on record - with more than a million from Shia-dominated Iran. Iraq says up to 17 million made the pilgrimage over 40 days this year, more than a million from Iran, and many remain for the ceremony of Arbaeen.
Tight security aimed to prevent attacks by Islamic State and other Sunni militant groups.Tight security aimed to prevent attacks by Islamic State and other Sunni militant groups.
Arbaeen commemorates the death of a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.Arbaeen commemorates the death of a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
The ceremony is held to mark the death of Imam Hussain, who died in battle at Kerbala.The ceremony is held to mark the death of Imam Hussain, who died in battle at Kerbala.
He was killed in a 7th Century battle for the leadership of the Muslim world, a defining event that helped seal the schism between Sunni and Shia Muslims.He was killed in a 7th Century battle for the leadership of the Muslim world, a defining event that helped seal the schism between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
There have been no reports of major incidents at this year's Arbaeen.There have been no reports of major incidents at this year's Arbaeen.
The governor of Kerbala called the success of the pilgrimage "one of the chapters of victories" against Islamic State (IS).The governor of Kerbala called the success of the pilgrimage "one of the chapters of victories" against Islamic State (IS).
IS regards Shia Muslims as heretics and regularly targets them in attacks throughout Iraq.IS regards Shia Muslims as heretics and regularly targets them in attacks throughout Iraq.