Sunni's, Shiite's & The Day of Ashoura

The Pakistani police have arrested 5 Sunni muslim extremists that were planning suicide attacks and the poisoning of drinking water during the Muslim month of Muharram.

Muharram is a period of mourning for Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. Hussien was killed in the The Battle of Karbala (Iraq) in a fight of good & evil with Yazid Ibn Muawiyah Ibn.

From Reuters --

The five militants, one of whom was preparing to become a suicide bomber, belonged to different Sunni Muslim militant groups and were picked up in raids in different parts of the city, Farooqi said.

"They planned to carry out suicide and grenade attacks on processions," he said.

Police seized 6 kg (13.2 lb) of explosives for use in suicide jackets, 2 kg (4.4 lb) ball bearings, one kg (2.2 lb) of nails, detonators, three hand grenades and two pistols.

Police also seized 500 grams (17 oz) of cyanide that Farooqi said was going to be used to poison drinks handed out to people taking part in the Shi'ite processions. More...

Shia's believe Hussien is the third Imam in charge and a successor to Mohammed. On the 10th day of this mourning comes the "Day of Ashoura."

This Shiite recognized special day of remembrance is routinely met with violence from the extremist Sunni based groups in the muslim world. More can be learned about the cause of this violence by reading this 2004 article in the Economist.