Iraq forces pass major test during pilgrimage

Iraq's first major religious festival since U.S. troops pulled out of its cities ended largely peacefully on Saturday, officials said, a sign Iraqi forces may have passed a first serious solo test.

Over the weekend, millions of pilgrims, mostly dressed in black, streamed to the golden domed Imam Moussa al-Kadhim shrine in northern Baghdad, site of some of the deadliest attacks on Iraqi civilians since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Police and troops were deployed heavily across the main routes leading to the shrine and where the commemorations were taking place.

"This is the first 100 percent Iraqi security plan. The forces are Iraqi, even the helicopters," said Baghdad security spokesman Major-General Qassim al-Moussawi.

Guarding the ceremonies, which are due to finish by the afternoon, was a key test for Iraq's police and army after they took over full control from American forces of security in the country's urban centers at the end of June.
Al Arabiya