Shiite Muslims world over are observing the Ashoura, a holy day of mourning and the sect's most important religious ceremony commemorating the death in 680 AD of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein. IRANMillions of faithful in Shiite power Iran observed the Ashoura, converging on the streets and in mosques with heavy hearts for mourning processions. AFGHANISTANAshoura Day is a public holiday in Afghanistan where this year, police urged Shiite worshippers to avoid large gatherings as attacks were expected. And, in northern Balkh province, an explosion struck a group of Shiite worshippers Wednesday, killing at least 14 civilians and wounding 26. In recent years, Ashoura processions have been attacked by extremist Sunni militants.

Source: ABC News October 12, 2016 14:03 UTC