Iraqi security forces arrested 21 anti-Shia terrorists in Basra

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Basra Governorate Police Command revealed on Tuesday, arresting more than 20 wanted men in different issues, including one accused in accordance with Article IV of terrorism act in different areas in the province, in conjunction with the visit of Khotwa Imam Ali’s shrine.“Basra forces carried out raids and searches in different areas within the province where it has arrested 21 wanted by the Iraqi judiciary,” said Basra police chief Maj. Gen. Faisal al-Abadi”.“The security services and in collaboration with the leadership of Basra police established a security plan to ensure the pilgrims heading to Khotwa Imam Ali Ibn Talib’s shrine in Zubair district “.“The plan included putting checkpoints on the road as well as deploying police forces in places where there are celebrants,” he added.While a police source in Salahuddin said that the security forces arrested three wanted, as another force was able to seize homemade explosive devices.Basra people of Shiite sect revive in the shrine of Khotwa Imam Ali bin Abi Talib in Zubair district south of the province, as today marks the birth of Mohammed bin Hassan Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam of Shiite Muslims.Dozens were killed and others injured last January during Al-Arbainiyah ceremonies of reviving the death of Imam Hussein bin Ali shrine by a bombing targeted the pilgrim’s crowds.Frequently al-Qaeda militants attack, Shiite targets in an attempt to provoke violence that has killed tens of thousands in 2006 and 2007./129