Iraq border authority says Arbaeen preparations underway at Munthiriya crossing

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of Iraq's Border Crossings Authority, Omar al-Waili, said on Saturday that preparations for the Arbaeen pilgrimage are continuing and that arrangements to receive visitors are underway. Al-Waili made the remarks during a tour of Diyala province alongside a delegation that included Deputy Joint Operations Commander and High-Level Visits Committee head Qais al-Muhammadawi and Deputy Prime Minister's Office director Ali Razuki al-Lami. According to a written statement from the authority, the delegation reviewed final preparations for the entry of pilgrims traveling to Karbala for the Arbaeen commemoration through the Munthiriya border crossing with Iran. At a meeting held at the Diyala Operations Command, al-Muhammadawi stressed the need to strengthen coordination among security and service units managing the pilgrimage route. The delegation later held a joint meeting with Iranian officials at the Munthiriya crossing to discuss facilitating entry procedures and maintaining support for the Hussayni convoys transporting pilgrims. Al-Waili said the Border Crossings Authority is continuing to implement the Arbaeen plan in coordination with security, service and support agencies, adding that visitors will be received with a high level of order and efficiency.