Lieutenant General Saad Harbiya, Commander of Sumar Operations, revealed that no incidents have been recorded since the beginning of the month of Safar, despite an anticipated surge in pilgrim numbers.
Harbiya told Shafaq News Agency that Sumar Operations Command and its sectors have been securing routes to Karbala and protecting pilgrims since the start of Safar month on August 18, 2023. The initiative covers Basra, Maysan, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna provinces.
The plan includes five checkpoints along routes from Dhi Qar to Muthanna, as well as Al-Fajr district and Diwaniyah province. Close coordination with police leadership is established to facilitate pilgrims.
Harbiya explained that the plan involves collaborating with local authorities in Dhi Qar province to provide immediate medical assistance. Support will also be provided by other departments under the Ministry of Interior, such as traffic police and civil defense.
Lieutenant General Saad Harbiya stated that there have been no security incidents in Dhi Qar province since the start of Safar. The plan is running smoothly with great cooperation between pilgrims, security forces, and the Hussaini processions authority. A significant increase in pilgrim influx towards Diwaniya and Muthanna provinces is expected in the next two days.
The pilgrims from various Iraqi provinces and beyond began their journey to Karbala over ten days ago to participate in Arbaeen’s commemorative rituals.
These rituals, which begin on September 5th, mark the forty days following Ashura, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, his family, and companions.
