Najaf holds security conference for Prophet's death anniversary pilgrimage

NAJAF, Iraq — A broad security conference was held in Najaf to prepare for the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's death anniversary, with Iraqi Armed Forces Chief of Staff office director Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir al-Shammari chairing the meeting. Attendees included the head of the services commission for the million-strong pilgrimages, security and intelligence commanders, representatives of the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), administrators of the holy shrines, local government officials and health units, along with police and security directors from Najaf, Karbala and Diwaniyah. Najaf police chief and Border Forces Commander briefed Shammari on the security plan for the visit, outlining preparations for crowd management and protection. The services commission head separately reviewed logistical arrangements with participants, detailing plans to accommodate the large numbers of visitors expected in the holy city. Shammari and the services commission head praised the coordination displayed during the previous Arbaeen pilgrimage, noting that joint work between the different units was central to its success. The conference concluded with a commitment to strengthen coordination on security, services and health throughout the upcoming commemorative visit. Further details on operational plans were not immediately available.