Iraq security plan for Muharram excludes armed displays and road closures

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry said its security plan for the holy month of Muharram does not authorize armed group displays or road closures. The plan focuses on protecting husseiniyas, mosques, large prayer halls and holy shrines, according to Ministry Media and Relations Department head Lieutenant General Miqdad Miri. Miri told the official gazette that the measures are security in nature and do not carry a military appearance, adding that no road closures will be imposed. The plan relies primarily on intelligence and information-gathering activities, and security forces have moved into the implementation phase, Miri said. The Transport Ministry said it has completed preparations for the visits, which are expected to draw millions of pilgrims. The ministry has readied its train and bus fleets and set up a central operations room to coordinate transportation.