Iraq says 2.88 million pilgrims have entered for Arbaeen commemoration

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Arbaeen Central Operations Command said the number of foreign pilgrims entering the country since the start of the Islamic month of Muharram had reached 2,887,305 as of July 30, 2026. The command, which operates under the Prime Minister's office and the armed forces, said visitors from multiple countries continue to arrive for the 40th-day commemoration marking the death of Imam Hussein. In a written statement, the command said security and service plans for the pilgrimage are being coordinated among various security and support agencies. It added that movement at border crossings and along main routes is being managed to maintain the highest possible flow of pilgrims, with operations carried out under the direct oversight of the Prime Minister. Security forces and support units continue their work under the supervision of the Million-Visitor Higher Committee, with regulatory and service measures scaled up during the pilgrimage period, according to the statement. The command said the objective is to provide pilgrims with a safe, stable and smooth environment throughout the commemoration, and noted that arrivals from various countries are ongoing.