Funeral procession delayed by large crowd on Najaf-Kerbela road, source says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A planned funeral ceremony in Kerbela was delayed after large crowds of tribal members and citizens gathered along both sides of the Najaf-Kerbela road, slowing traffic in the area, a correspondent reported. The congestion along the highway held up the funeral convoy as it tried to reach the ceremony's starting point, according to the account. The source said the coffins had recently entered Kerbela's borders and were moving toward the ceremony location. Crowds continued to stream into the area to attend the funeral, with people gathering along the road, the source added. The delay affected the movement of the funeral procession, prompting organizers to move the ceremony's start time earlier, the source said. No further details on the deceased or the identity of those being mourned were immediately available.