Karbala council approves security plan for Arbaeen pilgrimage

KARBALA, Iraq — Karbala Provincial Council unanimously approved a security plan covering the Arbaeen pilgrimage marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. The vote came at an extraordinary session chaired by Governor Nassif Jassim al-Khattabi, with the commanders of Karbala's Holy Operations Command, the provincial police chief and the Popular Mobilization Forces' Middle Euphrates Operations Command also in attendance. The plan, presented by the Karbala Operations Command, calls for protecting pilgrims, strengthening intelligence work and carrying out preventive operations. It also aims to keep pilgrim movements flowing smoothly and prevent any disruption on the roads leading to and from the holy city. Officials said the framework places coordination among security agencies at its core to maintain a calm and secure environment throughout the pilgrimage period. A statement from the governor's press office said all security institutions would work jointly throughout the visit. No further details on the deployment size or specific operational arrangements were immediately available.