Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visited the headquarters of Baghdad Operations Command after a hand grenade exploded during a religious commemoration near al-Kadhimiya city.
One person was killed and several others injured during the attack.
A statement by Kadhimi’s office said the PM followed up on the implementation of the security measures and was briefed on the incident.
Kadhimi, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, directed the forces to exert utmost vigilance to ensure security at the commemoration.
Every year, thousands of Shiite pilgrims from across Iraq flock to al-Kadhimiya, north of the capital, to commemorate the death of Musa al-Kadhim, the seventh imam of the Shiite sect.
The number of pilgrims is expected to peak on Wednesday evening at the height of the commemoration. Authorities in Baghdad and five central and southern governorates had declared the day an official holiday.
Despite the security and health risks, pilgrims insist on attending the ceremony, as the country witnesses a spike in coronavirus infections.
Health Minister Hassan al-Tamimi warned against non-compliance with the health measures and precautions announced to limit the spread of COVID-19.
