Motorcycle ban in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- To help prevent possible attacks against Shiite pilgrims in Baghdad, motorbikes will be prohibited in Iraq's capital city beginning Monday.

Shiite pilgrims will be observing the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashoura, KUNA reported Sunday.

The motorcycle ban comes on the heels of an official ban on carrying all forms of weapons by civilians, the Kuwait news agency reported.

Shiites mark the death of Imam Al-Hussein, and thousands of pilgrims come to visit the holy shrines in Najaf and Karbala, as well as the Kadhimiya community on the outskirts of Baghdad.