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| Iraq |
| Iraq steps up security for Ashura |
| 2009-12-27 |
| Tens of thousands of Iraqi security personnel have been deployed in the holy shrine city of Kerbala ahead of the climax of the Shia Ashura commemorations. More than one million pilgrims are expected to pour into the city on Sunday, where authorities will also check on the 60,000-odd foreign worshippers expected to attend the ceremonies to ensure they do not have swine flu. General Ali Jassim Mohammed, Karbala police chief, said that around 25,000 policemen and soldiers had been deployed to secure the commemoration ceremonies. About 20,000 soldiers have formed eight cordons around the city, according to Amal al-Hir, the provincial governor of the city. A thousand snipers are positioned on roof-tops and dog sniffers are to be employed to help find any explosives. About 600 female staff have been placed on three roads entering the city to counter women suicide bombers, who have struck in the past. CCTV cameras are also being used to follow any incidents in the city. Baghdad has also seen a rise in security personnel during the commemorations. Some pilgrims will visit a Shia shrine in the Kadhimiya district of the capital. |
| Posted by:Steve White |