Security forces in Iraq foiled this Sunday an ISIS plan aimed at carrying out a biological terrorist attack against the Arbaeen pilgrims.
According to a report by the Iraqi security forces issued this Monday, an ISIS plot to poison the Arbaeen pilgrims in Iraq was foiled before conduct.
The reported noted that ISIS terrorists planned to target Arbaeen pilgrims by attempting to poison food in service tents with a dangerous substance.
“After samples were collected and analyzed in laboratory tests, it was revealed that there were dangerous amounts of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical that can cause severe poisoning when ingested or inhaled, in foods and drinks served in at least four service tents in the way to Karbala,” the report said.
In reaction to the terrorist threat, one Iraqi security force said that security measures have been intensified to prevent another threat. “Authorities are coordinated with service tent organizers to deploy trustee personnel to monitor food and drink preparation and distribution. Additionally, security forces have been stationed near the tents to ensure safety,” the source noted.
Millions of Muslims across the world are moving to Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, traveling on foot for nearly 80 km to Karbala to commemorate the 40-day mourning period of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. They are therefore heavily dependent on service tents in the way between Najaf, where the march begins, to Karbala, where they meet the holy shrines.
