Groom in Najaf calls 911 when wedding convoy from Baghdad is delayed

NAJAF, Iraq — A groom travelling from Baghdad to Najaf called Iraq's 911 emergency line after his wedding convoy was delayed on the road, the Najaf Police Directorate said on Tuesday. Directorate spokesman Colonel Muwaffaq al-Tahir said a caller reported the late arrival of the "huldah" ceremony and wedding procession heading from the capital to Najaf and requested assistance. Police units responded quickly and escorted the group safely into central Najaf, al-Tahir said. Officers accompanied the procession in line with local tradition and joined the participants in the huldah ceremony, according to the directorate. The official noted that the incident demonstrated that citizens can use the 911 hotline effectively for urgent situations. The Najaf Police Directorate reiterated that the line remains open to all assistance requests, including those related to wedding arrangements.