Over 1.27 million pilgrims enter Iraq in one week, security official says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — More than 1.27 million pilgrims have entered Iraq since the start of the Islamic new year, a senior security official said on Saturday. Brigadier General Saad Maan, head of Iraq's Security Media Cell, reported that 1,273,758 pilgrims had crossed into the country through border crossings since 1 Muharram. Maan said security agencies were operating in line with pre-established plans to ensure pilgrim entries continued without disruption at all border crossings. He noted that the flow of pilgrims remained at a high level while security and support units carried out field operations. The measures are intended to safeguard pilgrims and keep the movement of travelers organized at border crossings, according to the Security Media Cell. Maan added that the relevant agencies were coordinating to allow religious visits to proceed safely. The official said security and service conditions would continue to be provided to maintain pilgrim safety and steady traffic at the crossings. No further details on entry figures by crossing were immediately available.