Wednesday 29 July 2026 - 11:24
Iraq Braces for Arbaeen Pilgrimage as Preparations Completed

Iraq’s Hashd Al-Shaabi, Popular Mobilization Forces, has completed extensive preparations to secure the Arbaeen pilgrimage, with forces placed on full alert to protect millions of pilgrims heading to the holy city of Karbala, a senior commander said.

Hawzah News Agency- Major General Ali Al-Hamdani, commander of the Middle Euphrates Operations, announced that “all Hashd Al-Shaabi units are at full readiness to carry out the security and service missions foreseen in the Arbaeen plan.”

In remarks carried by Iraqi media on Monday, he stressed that coordination is ongoing with local authorities in Karbala and across the Middle Euphrates provinces, alongside other security agencies, to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan and provide “the best security and service conditions for the pilgrims.”

Al-Hamdani noted that preventive measures had been underway for weeks, including clearing desert areas surrounding Karbala and conducting inspection and identification operations in the Najaf desert to “strengthen security and prevent any potential threats.”

Meanwhile, more than 2.1 million pilgrims have already entered Iraq since the start of Muharram, according to the command headquarters overseeing the event, with arrivals continuing through border crossings amid rising numbers.

Pilgrims reach Karbala via multiple routes, with large numbers traveling overland from Iran, while others arrive by air or complete long journeys on foot.

Source: Al Manar

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