In Iraq, more than 600 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals after a chlorine leak at a water treatment plant.
Pilgrims in Hospital
The incident occurred overnight on the route linking the two Shia holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Pilgrims traveling there suddenly began experiencing breathing difficulties due to inhalation of chlorine that had leaked from a water treatment plant. According to reports from the Iraqi Ministry of Health, 621 people were admitted to the hospital. All received necessary care and left the hospital in good condition.
Arbain in Karbala
Pilgrims were heading to Karbala, where the shrines of Imam Husayn and his brother Abbas are located. They will observe Arbain, a 40‑day period of mourning during which Shia commemorate the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson—Husayn. According to Al Jazeera, a large part of Iraq’s infrastructure is currently in poor condition due to wars, internal conflicts, and decades‑long corruption, and safety standards are not being upheld.
Failed Attempted Attack
Karbala Governor Nassif Jassim al‑Khattabi announced on Thursday that Iraqi security forces had detained 22 terrorists who had planned attacks on pilgrims. According to the portal Presstv.ir, the suspects, who admitted ties to the terrorist organization Daesh, planned to detonate explosives along pilgrimage routes, attack security forces and mourning processions on the Husayn side, and poison pilgrims.
