Iraq avoids traffic cuts in Karbala for Ashura security plan

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and head of the Million-Visitor Supreme Security Committee, Lt. Gen. Qais al-Muhammadawi, chaired an expanded security conference in Karbala on Wednesday to review plans for marking the 10th of Muharram, the day of Imam Hussein's martyrdom known as Ashura. The meeting brought together the Karbala governor and officials from the defense and interior ministries, the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), and security and intelligence services. Al-Muhammadawi received a detailed briefing on the plan for distributing security forces along the routes used by visitors. The committee head ordered that the movement of mourners and pilgrims proceed without interruption, that traffic cuts be avoided, and that visitors receive the best possible services. He also called for intensified intelligence work and for firefighting and civil defense vehicles to be deployed within the city and its surroundings. Al-Muhammadawi said coordination among security and service agencies, together with cooperation with the public, mourning committees and volunteers, was essential to the successful completion of the 10th of Muharram commemorations.