Iraq says Ashura pilgrimage security plan in Karbala completed without incident

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Supreme Committee for Million-Visitor Pilgrimages said the security plan prepared for the Ashura pilgrimage in Karbala was carried out successfully. Committee chairman and Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, said the plan was fully executed on the tenth day of Muharram, covering all entries and exits to the holy city. The committee said the ministries of defense and interior, the Popular Mobilization Forces and supporting units, and volunteers played an active role on the ground throughout the operation. Local authorities in Karbala and the general secretariats of the holy shrines provided continuous logistical and health services, following directives issued by Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih al-Zaydi during a visit to the city a day earlier. Officials noted that pilgrims maintained a high level of awareness by keeping main roads clear, while public transport was mobilized flexibly to manage the flow of visitors. The committee added that the performance achieved during Ashura provides a solid foundation for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage marking the 40th day after Ashura.