Security forces in Karbala on Sunday launched a security plan involving the deployment of 15,000 policemen in the holy Shiite city for the Imam al-Hussein’s arbaeen on February 15, according to the province’s police information chief.
“The plan started Jan. 24, as pilgrims have begun flowing into the city,” Maj. Alaa Abbas told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
“This number could be increased to 25,000 security personnel while more police and army troops from neighboring Iraqi provinces will take part in the plan on the fringes of the city,” Abbas added.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from inside and outside Iraq will be flowing on foot into the city for the holy rituals.
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