Shiite worshippers from across the Muslim world converged on
The celebrations culminated overnight on Saturday with more than three million Shiites having visited the central Iraqi city over the past week,
Iraqi Shiites braved sustained militant attacks which claimed at least 36 lives since Thursday as they walked on foot from across the country to
"The security plan required thousands of security personnel, including more than 2,000 women police workers," he said.
More than 40,000 soldiers and police had been mobilised, including the 2,000 female security workers, to boost security in and around
Jawdat said the security measures would continue until all the pilgrims have left the city.
"The pilgrims were aware that these measures were for their safety and to protect them from terrorist attacks," Jawdat added.
Interior Minister Jawad Bolani said the security forces had been "controlling" the province for the past two weeks, assuring the success of the pilgrimage.
"There was collaboration between
Shiite pilgrim Ehsaan al-Asadi from the southern city of
"This was the most successful ceremony since the fall of the (Saddam Hussein) regime because we did not face any problems as we marched for seven days to reach
"The security measures were in our interest as several pilgrims were attacked while on their way to
Last year
On Saturday, at least six people were killed in a car bombing in
The attack was the latest in a wave of bombings since Thursday that have left at least 36 people, most of them pilgrims, despite the massive security operation.
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