Karbala security official reports smooth pilgrim influx, no violations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of the Karbala Provincial Council's Security Committee, Said al-Tai, said on Saturday that visitor traffic into the holy city reached its peak, with pilgrims entering smoothly through four designated corridors from Baghdad, Babil, Najaf and Arar. Al-Tai said the security plan, prepared by the Karbala Operations Command and the Karbala Police Command and reinforced by forces brought in from several other provinces, is being implemented with a high degree of responsibility. No security breaches have been recorded so far, he added. Dozens of service delegations and visitors of different nationalities have arrived in Karbala, al-Tai said, adding that the influx reflects the humanitarian and civilizational dimension of the Hussein cause. Iraq, he said, remains open to visitors from all its provinces and sects, and all those coming to the Imam Hussein Shrine will be received. Karbala hosts millions of pilgrims each year, with security and service agencies adopting additional measures to ensure the smooth flow of the visitation.