Karbala's Arbaeen Pilgrimage Draws 20 Million Amid War and Khamenei's Death
Approximately 20 million pilgrims gathered in Karbala, Iraq, for the Arbaeen commemoration, marking the largest turnout since the 2003 U.S. invasion. The event coincided with the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran and the recent death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pilgrims, including over 3 million from Iran, used the gathering to express grief for Khamenei and defiance against Western powers, viewing the pilgrimage as a display of Shia resilience and unity.