Pilgrims gather for the Ashura ritual in Karbala, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2008. The 10-day event commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the prophet Mohammad, 1,300 years ago. About 2.5 million people are estimated to have gathered in Karbala this year and Iraqi security forces have increased their operations in southern Iraq to protect the pilgrims.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicole Dykstra
2008-01-19
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