Karbala says 600 local, 143 foreign journalists accredited for Ashura coverage

KARBALA, Iraq — Media preparations for the Ashura commemoration marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein have been completed, the Karbala Governorate's Director of Press and Communications, Tawfiq al-Habali, said Saturday. A dedicated media center has been set up in the city to serve local, Arab and foreign press outlets, offering live broadcast platforms, internet access, rest areas and updated data on the pilgrimage. Authorities have deployed 23 satellite transmission vehicles and 18 live broadcast units across Karbala and on access routes into the city, according to the statement. Around 600 local journalists, reporters, cameramen and technicians have been accredited to cover the visit, alongside 143 Arab and foreign journalists from various countries. Brigadier General Saad Maan, head of the Security Media Cell, said the number of pilgrims entering Iraq since the start of the Muharram month has reached 4,007,257. Pilgrims travel to Karbala to commemorate the killing of Imam Hussein and his companions in the city in 680 AD, observed on the fortieth day of Ashura.