BAGHDAD, Iraq: As part of a tight security control in Karbala, a total ban on the movement of vehicles was imposed in the holy city on Friday and a massive security cordon has been thrown around the city, days before the Sunday pilgrimage (Ziyarah Shabaniyah) to commemorate the birth anniversary of the 12th Imam Al-Montadhar (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

Speaking to the independent Voices of Iraq news agency, a spokesman of the security forces in Karbala said: "A total car ban is imposed on Karbala from today till the end of pilgrimage on Sunday. Security forces were deployed on all entrances of the city to ensure total security during the commemoration of the birth of Imam al-Mahdi."

More than 40,000 soldiers and police have been mobilized, including 2,000 female security workers, to boost security in response to twin suicide bombings that left over two dozen people martyred on Thursday.

Millions of pilgrims from Iraq and other neighboring countries i.e. Oman, Tanzania, Pakistan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Afghanistan etc are expected to pour into the city 110 km southwest of Baghdad.

Several thousands have reportedly walked to the city since last Monday, and the flood of pilgrims is expected to peak during Saturday and Sunday.