Al-Sudani reviews Arbaeen security plan in Karbala, says preparations progressing well

KARBALA — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a security meeting in Karbala on Thursday to review preparations for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage, calling the event one of “significant symbolic importance” amid growing annual turnout.

The meeting included Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, who heads the Higher Security Committee for the pilgrimage, along with the Karbala governor, local security commanders, and representatives of the city’s religious shrines.

Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the day that commemorates the killing of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

Al-Sudani said preliminary indicators showed positive results, and that preparations were progressing as expected ahead of the pilgrimage’s peak. He said he remains in close contact with both the interior minister and the governor to monitor developments.

The prime minister directed officials to reinforce the current plan, address any gaps, and ensure full coordination among security and service agencies.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, chaired a meeting today, Thursday, in the Holy Province of Karbala to follow up on the implementation of the security plan for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Interior, who chairs the Higher Security Committee for the pilgrimage, the Governor of Karbala, several leaders of security agencies and formations, and representatives of the religious shrines.

The Prime Minister reviewed the procedures of the Arbaeen security plan, which carries significant symbolic importance amid the annual increase in pilgrims numbers. He confirmed that indicators are positive, plans are proceeding well, and preparations are underway for the peak of the pilgrimage. He also stressed his direct communication with the Minister of Interior and the Governor of Karbala to monitor the implementation of the plan and ensure its smooth execution.

The Commander-in-Chief directed that the plans be reinforced and any gaps or challenges addressed. He emphasized the importance of strong coordination among security agencies, avoiding overlaps in authority, and ordered a halt to the entry of convoys belonging to all officials. He also instructed the concerned agencies to swiftly counter rumors and misleading news that target religious events and gatherings with the aim of swaying public opinion.

His Excellency also pointed to the importance of service efforts as a complement to smooth security operations. He called for enhanced coordination with the caretakers of processions and public service providers, boosting civil defense measures, and strengthening the health sector’s role amid the intense heat. He further encouraged the involvement of volunteer teams, especially from college and institute students, to contribute meaningfully to this significant occasion.