SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraqi security forces thwarted a “terrorist plot” in north of Baghdad planned against visitors of Arbaeen season, a military spokesman said on Friday (October 2).
Yehia Rasool, spokesman for commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said the counter-terrorism forces launched an operation to thwart a “terrorist plot” to target Arbaeen visitors, gathering to commemorate the third Shia Imam.
The counter-terrorism forces arrested two people during the operation, Rasool added.
“They intended to blow up themselves,” he stated.
Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Hussain, the third Shia Imam, was killed in battle at Karbala in the 7th Century. His martyrdom is considered a defining event in the schism between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
The federal government has banned the entry of foreign pilgrims for this year’s Arbaeen due to the coronavirus outbreak. Each year, millions of pilgrims converge in Najaf and Karbala.
