Millions of Shiite Muslim pilgrims from across Iraq, Iran and neighbouring countries have streamed into Iraq’s holy city of Kerbala over the past week to mark Arbaeen.<br /><br /> The event is a 40-day mourning period commemorating the seventh Century death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, the Shiite saint Imam Hussein.<br /><br /> This year’s ceremonies come six months after the Sunni militant group calling itself Islamic State (ISIL) swept through much of northern Iraq. <br /><br /> The pilgrims consider the gathering an act of defiance in the face of ISIL.<br /><br /> ‘‘We think that the successes of this pilgrimage is one of a string of victories by our armed forces and volunteers against ISIL,’‘ said Akeel al-Turaihi, Governor of Karbala province.<br /><br /> Officials have said they expect the Sunni militants to target Arbaeen, which has attracted a record number of foreign visitors after Iraqi authorities waived visa fees this year.<br /><br /> Some 40,000 police and soldiers have been deployed in the city for the event.
