Baghdad Operations Command announces 9 security measures for Arbaeen pilgrimage

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Baghdad Operations Command announced on Thursday that it has adopted nine security and service measures ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, as large numbers of visitors travel through the capital. The command said 27 corridors have been designated across Baghdad's road network to manage visitor movement, with three of them set along the railway line. Heavy cargo vehicles and motorcycles will be barred from the designated routes, and alternative paths will be provided for them. Forty-four control centers have been set up to monitor the plan and coordinate between units. Twelve embarkation and disembarkation points have been identified to transport pilgrims between Baghdad and Karbala, supported by a large fleet of specialized vehicles from the Ministries of Defense and Interior. Authorities also established 111 checkpoints and inspection points to ease traffic congestion, while fire, ambulance and explosive ordnance teams have been placed on standby for emergencies. The command added that community police and counter-disinformation units will run joint awareness campaigns, and coordination with service ministries and Husayni convoy committees will ensure uninterrupted services for visitors. Media organizations' field work will also be facilitated, it said.