On behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric offered condolences to Iraqis on the deadly stampede in Karbala during the Ashura rituals.
“The Secretary-General learned with deep sorrow of the loss of life and injuries that occurred near the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, Iraq,” reads a statement by Dujarric.
“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured. The United Nations stands ready to support the Government in dealing with this tragedy,” the statement added.
During the Ashura ceremony in Karbala on Wednesday, at least 31 pilgrims died and over 100 were injured in a tragic stampede near Imam Hussein Shrine.
Karbala governorate announced three days of mourning to honor the victims.