COVID-19: Iraqi couple gets police help to wed amid coronavirus curfew

Iraqi student Ahmed Khaled al-Kaabi, 23, proposed to the love of his life last year. The couple's dream was to have a huge celebration with family and friends in the holy southern city of Najaf.

But in the wake of the novel coronavirus, those hopes were dashed when a government-ordered curfew banned large public gatherings and wedding halls were shuttered.

Najaf has been among the cities hardest hit by the viral pandemic, accounting for a little more than 20% of Iraq's total cases. At least five people have died amid 257 confirmed cases in the province, according to Health Ministry figures.

Unwilling to postpone the wedding, al-Kaabi came up with a different plan. He asked the local security forces to help him make the wedding happen.

. The police responded by providing the groom with vehicles, complete with blasting music. They transported al-Kaabi's bride, Ruqaya Rahim, to the family home for a small celebration of just six people.

``I didn't expect my wedding to be this way. I was hoping for a party and that we would visit the Imam," said the new bride, referring to the religious official who leads prayers in the mosque. "But we were prevented from doing that.''