KARBALA/ Aswat al-Iraq: Mid-Euphrates Operations Command announced today dismantling a Qaeda "terrorist" cell was planning to strike against Shiite visitors heading for the holy city.
Staff General Othman al-Ghanimi told Aswat al-Iraq that preliminary investigations with two Diwaniya province' citizens, who were arrested two days ago, enabled the security authorities of dismantling a terrorist cell which was planning to strike against Shiite visitors to Karbala city.
No other details were given.
Karbala holy city is witnessing a greater number of visitors to commemorate the 40th day mourning anniversary of the martyrdom of Iman Hussein, where the visitors march by foot from all parts of the country.
A great number of Arab and foreign citizens participate, also, in these ceremonies.
Karbala, center of the province, lies 108 km south west of the capital, Baghdad.