Senior Iraqi military official visits Karbala to coordinate Arbaeen preparations in Kirkuk

KARBALA, Iraq — A senior military official from Iraqi Prime Minister's office visited Karbala to review preparations for the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Kirkuk. Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir al-Shammari, director of the Office of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, met with Karbala Governor Nasif Jassim al-Khatabi at the governor's office in the city center on Saturday, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. The talks focused on strengthening coordination between security, service and transport agencies ahead of the commemoration, which draws millions of pilgrims each year. Ali Razuki, head of the Kirkuk Service Committee, and Sheikh Sami al-Masoudi, head of the Transport Committee, also attended the meeting, the statement said. Officials agreed on joint work to ensure plans are implemented smoothly and that the best services are provided to visitors during the event. The visit was described in the statement as a sign that preparations in Kirkuk for Arbaeen are being overseen at the highest level. No further details on the specific arrangements discussed were immediately available.