Security high as pilgrims flock to Najaf and Karbala for Ashura

Baghdad: Unprecedented security measures have been taken in the two major Shiite Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, where thousands of Shiites from all over Iraq are heading to commemorate Ashura, the anniversary of Imam Hussain's martyrdom.

Security is preoccupying city life amid tightened security measures.

"Frankly, I can say that we in the military brigade [I am affiliated to Najaf] are on a heightened security alert," Raed Khalaf Al Khafaji, an officer, told Gulf News.

"Everything is monitored and anything might trigger our actions... past experience in the field has proved we have to be cautious until this anniversary is over," he added.

Certainly, Al Qaida is the first on the list to watch for and things will continue as it is until the anniversary reaches its peak in the upcoming days.

However, Haitham Al Attar, a Karbala resident told Gulf News: "Experience and what we have seen on the street indicates that the biggest danger is not from Al Qaida but from the conflicting Shiite militias which are affiliated to different parties. Last year's events in Karbala proved that danger came from these militias; it was unexpected by the security forces who were prepared to address Al Qaida and Ba'ath threats but the surprise came from militias."

On the way from Baghdad to Najaf and Karbala, thousands of Iraqi soldiers supported by American helicopters were seen securing the route which passes through the "triangle of death" in reference to Mahmoudia, Latifiya and Yousifiya close to Arab Jabbur in southern Baghdad which was shelled recently by American aircraft.

Abbas Al Musawi, an officer in the Iraqi Interior Ministry, told Gulf News: "To a large extent, the Al Qaida danger is limited to visitors coming from Baghdad. The danger is lessened as we approach the two holy cities and there visitors may face another danger of extremist armed gangs and cells. We are facing an extremely difficult task."

With Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr's continuing resolution to freeze the Mahdi Army activities, some Shiite political forces believe that things are heading to a period of increased stability and security for the anniversary of Ashura.

"The decision to freeze our activities is essential, especially in such circumstances to prevent exploiting the Mahdi Army name in riots that may undermine the sanctity of Ashura day," Abu Al Fadhil, a member of the Mahdi Army, told Gulf News.

"I think the Al Sadr trend leadership is aware of virulent elements who may engage in extreme activities in the name of the Mahdi Army," he added.