Shiites flock to Iraqi shrine city

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

KARBALA, Iraq (AFP) — Thousands of Shiite pilgrims began arriving on Saturday in the central Iraqi shrine city of Karbala amid tight security for celebrations marking the birth anniversary of a revered imam.

Police said they were making preparations to protect some two million pilgrims expected in the city by the time the main celebrations begin on Tuesday, birthday of Imam Mohammed al-Mahdi, the 12th imam of Shiite Islam.

"A vehicle curfew will be imposed on Sunday as the number of pilgrims is increasing," said Rahman Mshawi, spokesman for Karbala police, adding that Shiites from Baghdad, Babil and Najaf were converging on the central town.

The imam disappeared from the northern Iraqi town of Samarra centuries ago, and Shiites believe he will return one day...