From Voice Of America:Thousands of Shi'ites gathered in the central Iraqi city of Karbala Tuesday, to mark the start of the annual religious observance of Ashura.
Men and boys marched down the streets of Karbala with blood streaming down their faces after cutting their scalps, part of the self-flagellation that accompanies some Ashura rituals. Many pilgrims came from Iran, a majority Shi'ite nation.
Iraqi military officials say some 20,000 security forces have deployed throughout the city to protect worshippers.
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