Millions of Shia Muslims have arrived in the city of Karbala in Iraq in connection with the holiday of Arbain. This year's holiday is marked by sorrow over the war in Gaza.
Over three million pilgrims have arrived in Iraq since Friday and security has been increased, says the head of the security service's media department Tahseen Al-Khafaji.
On Wednesday, 28 Pakistani pilgrims died on their way to Karbala in a bus accident in central Iran, which further casts a shadow over this year's celebration.
Arbain is celebrated in memory of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein's death.
