By Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD — Under the watchful eye of the Iraqi Police and Army, over a million Shiite pilgrims gathered in peace over the weekend in Baghdad’s Kadhimiyah neighborhood to commemorate the death of the 7th Imam.

The event, in which the faithful visit the al-Kadhimiyah Shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim, was sheltered from much of the violence that has plagued other religious celebrations in recent years.

Security for the occasion was organized, led and executed by Iraqi security forces comprising the Iraqi National Police, Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army, who worked together to safeguard the travelers. A comprehensive security plan drafted by the Iraqi civil and military leaders proved effective in preventing a recurrence of the large-scale violence of last year’s gathering, in which more than 900 Iraqis were killed in a stampede.

While incidents occurred in the Adamiyah and Shaab neighborhoods, casualties appeared minimal, pending a final assessment by the Iraqi government.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Police from the 2nd National Police Division killed a terrorist and detained two after they fired upon the pilgrims.

“The ISF did a good job containing the violence and protecting the people,” said Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, Multi-National Division – Baghdad commander. “These acts against innocent civilians are deplorable, but Iraqi Security Forces did an excellent job in preventing more needless loss of innocent civilian lives.”

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