Baghdad: Baghdad Operations Command announced on Monday the closure of a main road due to road resurfacing and maintenance work. The closure is part of the preparations for the Arba’een pilgrimage, a significant event for Shia Muslims, who gather to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Baghdad Operations Command media office stated in a press release that, “In anticipation of the Arba’een pilgrimage to Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), and in order to prepare the ‘Ya Hussein’ road to accommodate the processions and receive pilgrims, the road has been closed from the Bridges Intersection to the Baghdad Arches due to road resurfacing and maintenance work.”

The Command urged drivers of both large and small vehicles to adhere to the traffic diversions. It explained that “large trucks have been diverted to the western entrance of the capital instead of the southern one, while smaller vehicles have been diverted to the Dora-Yusufiya highway.” The diversions aim to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for the pilgrims and other road users during the pilgrimage period.