Millions join Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq amid regional tensions and fears of US-Iran escalation
Summary
Millions of Shiite Muslims gathered in Karbala, Iraq, to observe the Arbaeen pilgrimage, which marks 40 days after Ashoura in remembrance of Imam Hussein. The event took place amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with a significant number of Iranian pilgrims attending and some reduction in pilgrims from other countries.Key Facts
- Arbaeen commemorates 40 days after Ashoura, honoring Imam Hussein’s death in 680 A.D. at the Battle of Karbala.
- More than 4.88 million pilgrims entered Iraq since the start of the Islamic month of Muharram, with many more from inside Iraq.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended the pilgrimage, highlighting Iraq’s complex position between the U.S. and Iran.
- Iraqi authorities oversee the pilgrimage through a command unit linked to the Armed Forces.
- Iranian flags were widely visible along the pilgrimage routes and in Karbala, while flags from European, Arab, and other Islamic countries were fewer than usual.
- Pilgrims said the regional war and events have reduced the number of foreign visitors from Arab and other countries.
- Iraq has strong ties to both Washington and Tehran and seeks to avoid being pulled deeper into the U.S.-Iran conflict.
- The pilgrimage is one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
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