RNA – Millions of people have converged in Baghdad to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of the 7th Shi’a Imam, Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kadhim, amid tightened security measures.
On Tuesday, Iraqi security forces blocked all main roads in Baghdad to ensure the safety of the pilgrims who traditionally travel on foot to the neighborhood of Kadhimiyah in northern Baghdad, where the shrine is located.
The commemoration takes place despite security threats. At least 18 Shi’a pilgrims were killed and 45 people injured in a car bombing claimed by ISIL terrorists just on Monday.
“This pilgrimage represents a defeat for terrorism,” Mohammad Nayif, 32, from Iraq’s Babil Province said, adding, “We are not afraid of the explosions and nothing will stop us.”
An official from the shrine said that millions of people have taken part in the pilgrimage in recent days.
Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since ISIL terrorists launched an offensive in June 2014 and took control of portions of Iraqi territory.
Latest figures released by the United Nations (UN) show that at least 741 Iraqi people, including soldiers and civilians, lost their lives in violence in the country in the month of April.
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