Over 18,000 Pilgrims Cross Iraq's Arar Border for Hajj

ARAR, Iraq — More than 18,000 pilgrims traveled through Iraq's Arar border crossing during the hajj travel period, according to the Iraq Border Gates Authority. The authority said 18,746 pilgrims crossed the border gate, accompanied by approximately 600 medical, administrative and service personnel who traveled as part of the caravan operations. Brigadier General Omar Adnan al-Waili, head of the Border Gates Authority, oversaw the operations personally from the first day of the hajj travel season. The authority stated that reception and travel procedures continued uninterrupted for four days without any disruptions. Al-Waili credited the smooth operations to coordinated efforts among various government institutions and agencies. Al-Waili said work would continue to improve the quality of services provided to citizens at all border crossings.