Pilgrims flock to Iraqi shrine

KARBALA, Iraq, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A reported 6 million Iraqi pilgrims and about 60,000 Arab and foreign pilgrims have flocked to Karbala to observe Imam Hussein Arbaeen.

Security was tighter than usual and the event went smoothly as chanting pilgrims marched through the streets.

Some 3,000 buses and private vehicles were on hand to transport visitors as needed, Alsumaria reported. More than 40,000 police and military personnel were stationed at crossroads.

Additionally, an estimated 10,000 emergency units were deployed in 10 strategic positions in the city.