HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Millions of mourners gathered at the holy shrine of Al-Imam Ali (AS) in the central Iraq holy city of Najaf marking his martyrdom anniversary on Ramadan 21 while around 15,000 policemen and soldiers backed by US-led coalition forces stood guard for the commemoration across the province.

According to Colonel Ali Nomas Griow, Iraqi army spokesman in Najaf, tight security measures were being put in place for September 22 Ramadan 21 Monday's anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS).

Imam Ali (AS) was stabbed to death in 661 AD in the Mosque of Kufa near Najaf and every parcel of the universe heard these words of Ali (AS): “Foztu Wa Rabbil Kaabah” (By God Ali Has Succeeded).

There were three rings of security personnel encircling the city, with the ring around the shrine itself manned by police. The coalition forces were deployed on the outskirts of the city.

Hundreds of closed-circuit cameras were also being placed across the shrine city.

The mourners doing aza (holdfing majalis, performing chest-, head-beating, gushing out their blood with swords and sharp knives to signify their grief) renewed their pledge to Amir-ol Mo’minin (Commander of the Faithful) Al-Imam Ali (AS).

Husseini Mawakeb set up tents and stalls to ease Haidary mourners with foods, meals, hot and cold drinks.