Falih al-Fayyadh, commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), emphasized on August 25 the need to ensure absolute safety for pilgrims attending Arbaeen, one of the largest religious events for Shiite Muslims, held in the holy city of Karbala.
During a meeting with security force commanders and representatives of relevant ministries, al-Fayyadh stressed that protecting pilgrims is the top priority, requiring close coordination between PMF, the military, police, and local security units.
He reiterated that detailed security plans are already in place on main routes leading into Karbala, including checkpoints, mobile patrols, and modern surveillance equipment to detect and prevent any threats in a timely manner. In addition, rescue and medical teams have been positioned at rest stops and crowded areas.
Arbaeen occurs 40 days after the commemoration of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the holy shrine in Karbala. The event typically draws tens of millions of pilgrims from across Iraq and the wider world, making it one of the largest annual religious gatherings globally.
The PMF, established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State (IS) group, is now an official security force operating under the direction of Iraq's prime minister. It plays a crucial role in maintaining order in various areas, especially during major religious occasions when security demands are heightened.
