Baghdad: Minister of Interior, Head of the Supreme Security Committee for Mass Pilgrimages, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, directed on Monday the activation of intelligence cells in Baghdad and other provinces, as well as the implementation of covert surveillance plans in preparation for securing the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Shammari continues to hold intensive preparatory meetings to ensure the success of the pilgrimage and to secure the movement of pilgrims heading to the holy city of Karbala. The statement noted that he chaired an expanded meeting at the headquarters of the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency, attended by the Deputy Ministers for Police and Intelligence Affairs, the Deputy of the National Security Service, as well as directors of Military and Popular Mobilization Intelligence, and provincial intelligence chiefs via video conference.

During the meeting, Al-Shammari emphasized the importance of monitoring malicious social media pages that seek to incite unrest and exploit the occasion. He stressed that intelligence operations should be conducted in the field by all directors without exception, continuing until the conclusion of the pilgrimage rituals.

He also called for the inclusion of tourism security personnel in the intelligence plans, underscoring that maintaining security stability requires heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts among all security bodies. He added that the success of the security forces in dismantling terrorist groups, now stripped of their capabilities within Iraq, must be preserved through continuous and proactive measures.

The Minister instructed that responsibilities be clearly defined, and efforts unified to secure the pilgrims’ routes, rest stops, and service areas.

He also listened to a detailed presentation outlining the intelligence plans and mechanisms for their implementation to ensure the safety and organization of the pilgrimage.