Iraq launches major security operation for Ashura

By Sami al-Jumaili

KERBALA, Iraq (Reuters) - Thousands of Shi'ites gathered in Kerbala on Wednesday for the biggest religious ceremony in the Iraqi holy city since gunbattles between rival factions forced a mass exodus of pilgrims last August.

Iraqi authorities have launched a major operation to protect pilgrims attending one of the world's largest religious events, a target in the past for al Qaeda militants, which the U.S. military says is still the biggest threat to peace in Iraq.

Black-clad pilgrims are converging on the city, 110 km (70 miles) south of Baghdad, for Ashura, a 10-day-long event commemorating the death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson in battle there 1,300 years ago. The ritual, expected to be attended by several million, climaxes on Saturday.

Pilgrims carried red and black flags, while buildings were draped in black cloth in mourning for Imam Hussein, who was killed in 680.

His death entrenched the schism between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims, a split that now sharply divides Iraq. Sectarian fighting has killed tens of thousands since February 2006, although the violence has ebbed since June 2007.

"I have come with my husband and two children despite the chilly weather. Attending Ashura is part of our culture and nothing on earth would stop us from showing our grief," said Ahlam Nima Jasim, 30, from Diwaniya, 120 km to the southeast.

And for the first time in years pilgrims include visitors from the Gulf states of Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, said Saddiq al-Hir, head of Kerbala's tourism association.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES