Iraqi Red Crescent says it served over 5 million pilgrims during Arbaeen

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Red Crescent Society said its teams delivered health and humanitarian services to more than 1.27 million domestic and foreign pilgrims during the 2026 Arbaeen commemoration, providing over 5 million supporting services across the holy city of Karbala and surrounding routes. According to the society's report, field units carried out emergency medical response for more than 878,000 pilgrims and provided 68,965 additional medical services, alongside health awareness campaigns and psychological support. Teams also helped locate more than 81,000 people reported missing and reunite them with their families. The Red Crescent said it supported pilgrims by supplying drinking and bathing water, cleaning public areas and collecting waste along the main routes. The Iraqi Council of Ministers had declared a nationwide public holiday for the Arbaeen observance. Arbaeen marks the 40th day after Ashura, when Shia Muslims travel to Karbala to commemorate Imam Hussein and his companions.