Najaf Pilgrimage Intensifies for Ghadir Khom Holiday

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Large crowds gathered in Najaf on Thursday as pilgrims from across Iraq and several Arab and Islamic countries began arriving for Ghadir Khom celebrations at the shrine of Imam Ali bin Abu Talib. The influx follows the government's decision to declare an official public holiday this year, swelling numbers beyond the usual seasonal rush. Officials said they expect hundreds of thousands of visitors, with numbers expected to rise through the evening hours. Najaf's local government said it has mobilized all security and infrastructure units to manage the expected surge. Security forces took up positions around the shrine and along all roads leading to the old city center, where the shrine is located. Special measures were put in place to prevent traffic congestion and crowd crushes. Logistics and medical teams were deployed to assist visitors. Health services were expanded, particularly in response to a notable rise in temperatures. No further details were immediately available.