Iraq entered into three days of mourning today as the country started
to bury the dead from the Ashura terrorist attacks.
More than
143 people were killed in simultaneous attacks in the capital Baghdad
and in the holy city of Karbala where millions had gathered for Ashura,
the Shi’a holy day commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn.
Mass funerals were held for the dead and flag draped coffins wound
their way through the streets of Karbala as thousands of the faithful
chanted, "Husayn! Husayn!", evoking the memory of their
slain martyr, as they prepared to bury the dead.
Armed security was visible outside the Holy Shrines in Karbala and
near the al-Kadhimiya mosque in Baghdad. The mood across Iraq
was one of anger and sorrow, many wept openly mourning their fellow
Shi’a Muslims.
Iraq in Mourning
Discover more about what was happening in Karbala today as they buried the dead and cared for the injured. Go there
Slideshow: Baghdad and Karbala
View pictures from Baghdad and Karbala today where thousands attended funeral processions and prayed for the dead. Show me
(Photography: Spencer Platt/Scott Nelson/Getty Images).
On Channel 4
Channel 4 have been filming pilgrims from Britain, America and Iraq in Karbala and London throughout the month of Muharram. This will air in early April as a special documentary entitled, "Karbala 2004".
Find out more about the documentary or meet the pilgrims.
You can also sneak a peek at it on
video. Requires free Real
Player.
A Photographer's Story
Read an account by a photographer on the ground in Karbala yesterday who was turned on by the crowd and beaten in the emotion-filled aftermath of the explosions.
Warning: Contains graphic image and descriptions of a distressing nature. More
