Hawzah News Agency- Major General Saad Maan, head of the Security Media Cell, stated on Friday that the total number of pilgrims who had entered Iraq by Thursday evening had reached 3,435,492.
"Pilgrims from 172 different nationalities have arrived in the country to take part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage ceremonies," Maan said, underscoring the truly global character of the annual gathering.
Massive Pilgrimage Proceeding Smoothly Amid Tight Security
The Iraqi general emphasized that the pilgrimage is proceeding with exceptional ease, fluidity, and a high level of discipline, crediting the coordinated efforts of security forces and Hussaini service tents, known as mawakeb, deployed along the routes.
"Security forces and Hussaini mawakeb are working with extensive efforts to provide necessary services and create a suitable atmosphere for the pilgrims," Maan noted, highlighting the round-the-clock operations to ensure the safety and well-being of the millions on the move.
He further stated that the special security and service plans designed for this year's pilgrimage remain in full effect to guarantee the smooth movement of pilgrims as they make their way toward the holy city of Karbala.
Numbers Expected to Surge in Final Days Before Arbaeen
With several days remaining until the climax of the pilgrimage, Iraqi authorities anticipate that the number of arrivals will swell considerably in the coming days. The Arbaeen march, which draws participants from across the globe, is widely regarded as the world's largest annual gathering, surpassing even the Hajj in terms of participant numbers.
Iraq's border crossings, airports, and main highways leading to Karbala have been operating at full capacity, with temporary camps, medical stations, and food distribution points set up at regular intervals along the pilgrimage routes to accommodate the unprecedented flow of visitors.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was killed along with his companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD after refusing to pledge allegiance to the tyrannical rule of Yazid.
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