Iranian pilgrims cross into Iraq, head to Najaf and Karbala after 40-day march

DHI QAR, Iraq — A group of Iranian pilgrims entered Iraq after a march lasting more than 40 days and moved through the Suq al-Shuyukh district in the southern province of Dhi Qar, heading onward to Najaf and Karbala. The group is part of a convoy known as Ansar al-Hussein, which departed from the Iranian city of Mashhad and crossed into Iraqi territory through the Shalamjah border crossing, continuing its march without interruption. Husseini convoys along the route set up service operations to support the travelers. Tuğgeneral Said Maan, head of the Security Media Cell, confirmed in a recorded audio statement that the security plan covering the Forty-Day Visit has been put into effect, covering routes from Basra and surrounding southern areas toward Karbala. The visitation marks the 40th day of Ashura, commemorating Imam Hussein and members of his family who were killed in Karbala in the year 680.