Security has been stepped up in Iraq in view of Shia Muslim Ashura commemorations for which large number of people are gathering in the holy shrine city of Karbala today. According to Karbala police chief General Ali Jassim Mohammed, about 25 thousand police officers and soldiers had been deployed in the holy city. More than ten lakh pilgrims are likely to pour into the city today to mark the climax of the Ashura. Ashura pilgrims have been targeted in a number of attacks over the past week, killing more than 100 people. Security for the commemoration is seen significant keeping in view the general election scheduled for 7th March next year.<br/><br/><br/>