27 Sep 2017 | 07:47 AM UTC
Iran: Ashura to take place Sep. 29 - Oct. 1
Shi’a religious holiday Ashura celebrations to take place September 29 - October 1; increased security presence likely
Event
Ashura, the tenth day of the month of Muharram on the Islamic calendar and one of the most holy days in Shi'a Islam, is set to take place between Friday, September 29, and Sunday, October 1 (depending on the sighting of the moon). As Iran is a Shi'a majority country, business closures and transportation disruptions are to be expected. An increased security presence, especially in large cities including the capital Tehran, is likely.
The threat of terrorism remains elevated across the country during Ashura.
Context
Ashura is commemorated by Shi'a Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Large public gatherings are common during Ashura, sometimes featuring self-flagellation and lamentations.
The threat of terrorism remains relatively high in Iran. In 2016, a terrorist plot involving explosives set to occur during Ashura was thwarted by Iranian authorities. Following the twin terrorist attacks on June 7, 2017, that killed 18 people in the capital, Iran deployed new security measures to improve its anti-terror operations. Many arrests have since been carried out to apprehend suspected Islamic State (IS) militants, who have threatened to carry out further attacks on the country.
Advice
Individuals are advised to exercise caution during Ashura celebrations.
Due to the terrorist threat, individuals present in Iran should remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). Travelers should note that some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to certain areas of the country, including zones adjacent to the Afghan, Pakistani, and Iraqi borders.
