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Baghdad: Iraq's Sunnis yesterday marked the start of the Eid Al Fitr holiday by filling mosques in greater numbers than in previous years due to the drop in violence.
Thousands across the country filled mosques at dawn and visited the graves of loved ones as they began the three-day festival marking the end of the holy month.
In Baghdad's northern Sunni neighbourhood of Azamiyah, about 15,000 worshippers gathered at sunrise in the revered Sunni shrine of Abu Hanifa as US-backed Sunni security forces known as 'Sons of Iraq' stood guard at the shrine and a nearby cemetery.
"We are happy that we can leave our houses to perform prayers and visit our late beloved ones as we were not able to do so in the past," said Umm Ammar, a 54-year old resident of Azamiyah who attended the early morning ceremony. "We pray to God that we will keep living in such an atmosphere with security all over the country."
Violence has fallen sharply in Iraq over the past year, an improvement credited in part to a US troop buildup as well as the decision by Sunni tribes and insurgents to turn against Al Qaida and back the United States.
The US-funded Sunni movement faces a key test this week when the Shiite-led government begins to assume authority over the security groups, also known as awakening councils.
In Mosul, a northern city that remains plagued by violence even as the rest of the country enjoys greater safety, men in long white robes filled mosques as the city appeared quiet.
Cautious approach
"People in mosques pray for peace on this sacred day," said Ahmad Abdul Rahman, a 45-year-old photography shop owner. "The situation these days in Mosul does not allow for strolling in the streets in any area or travelling long distances."
Sunnis and Shiites both celebrate Eid, but often begin the festival on different days. Shiites begin the holiday today.
In the past, that difference has sometimes underlined tensions between the two sects.
This year, in an effort to minimise those tensions, the largely Shiite government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki set off the day's celebrated by both Sunnis and Shiite as national holidays.
Figures: Victims of the war
The latest figures for soldiers and civilians killed in Iraq since the US-led invasion in March 2003.
US-led coalition forces
- United States - 4,175
- Britain - 176
- Other nations - 138
Iraqis
Military: Between 4,900 and 6,375
- Think-tank estimates for military under Saddam Hussain killed during the 2003 war. No reliable official figures have been issued since new security forces were set up in late 2003.
Civilians: Between 87,919 and 95,954
- From www.iraqbodycount.net, run by academics and peace activists, based on reports from at least two media sources. The IBC says the figure underestimates the true number of casualties.
- Reuters
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