Over 3 million Iranian pilgrims arrive in Karbala for Ashura commemorations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — More than 3 million Iranian visitors have reached the Iraqi city of Karbala to take part in Ashura commemorations set for Thursday, Iran's state broadcaster announced on Wednesday. In a single day, around 400,000 Iranians crossed into Iraq by road, according to the broadcaster's statement. The visitors continue to enter Iraq to attend the commemorations held on the tenth day of the Muslim month of Muharram at holy sites in Karbala. The city hosts millions of pilgrims every year during the Ashura observances. Iran's state broadcaster said large-scale security and service measures have been implemented for this year's organization. Ashura marks the killing in 680 AD of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his companions in Karbala, drawing worshippers from across Iraq and abroad each year.