Karbala, Iraq – In a breathtaking display of devotion, an estimated 12 million Shia Muslims from around the globe converged on the holy city of Karbala this week to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. The streets surrounding the Imam Hussein Shrine were packed with pilgrims chanting prayers, waving flags, and lighting candles. Local authorities reported that security forces deployed advanced crowd‑control measures, including drone surveillance and temporary medical stations, to ensure safety. “Being here with my family is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime blessing,” said Fatima Al‑Saadi, a pilgrim from Saudi Arabia. The event, which marks the 12th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, is expected to continue for the next three days.
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