HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Hundreds of thousands of mourning devotees have gathered in the holy city of Najaf to commemorate the anniversary of martyrdom of the Martyr of Mehrab Al-Imam Ali Al-Mortada (p) on Ramadan 21, Tuesday and to revive second Layla’tol Qadr.

Strict security measures were in force Monday in the holy Najaf, home to the holy mausoleum of Holy Prophet (p)’s first infallible successor and caliph of all Muslims Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (p), marking the occasion.

Cars except vehicles of security men and ambulances were banned from the city and police checkpoints reinforced.

Provincial Governor Assad Abu Kilal said the measures were intended to ensure "the security of inhabitants and pilgrims".

Scores of tents have been erected near the holy shrine and at the roads to facilitate the Haidari mourners with Iftar and Sohur meals as well as drinks.