Karbala: Karbala Investigative Court announced today the arrest of a terrorist network affiliated with the so-called ISIS organization that was planning to target pilgrims participating in the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the operation was carried out under the direct supervision of the investigating judge and executed by the Falcons Intelligence Cell in the province. It resulted in the arrest of 23 terrorism suspects in the southern and central Euphrates provinces as well as Baghdad, including one woman.

Investigations revealed two main plots: the first involved manufacturing and planting improvised explosive devices along the southern routes used by pilgrims; the second aimed to poison food served to pilgrims, overseen by a student from the anesthesia department. The suspects also planned to set fire to service tents (mawakib) set up for the pilgrims.

The court added that members of the network admitted to undergoing systematic recruitment methods employed by ISIS, including brainwashing through extremist literature and propaganda, integrating them into groups for indoctrination with distorted religious teachings under the supervision of clerics linked to the ISIS group, and ultimately pledging allegiance to the terrorist leadership.

For its part, the Supreme Judicial Council urged families to monitor their children’s activities on digital platforms and to be alert to any changes in their behavior or ideological tendencies, calling for immediate reporting of any suspicious activity. It also warned service tent organizers and Husseiniyas (mawakib) not to allow unknown individuals access to food and drink preparation areas and to tighten oversight over all food supplies.