Baghdad: The Head of the Border Ports Authority, Lieutenant General Omar Al-Waeli, announced the launch of the reverse flow process for pilgrims returning from the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), confirming the registration of large numbers of arrivals and departures through the country’s border crossings.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from the Authority explained that Al-Waeli supervised, on the ground, the procedures at Zurbatiya border crossing to ensure smooth movement of entry and exit, in implementation of the directives of Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani aimed at providing services and securing the mass pilgrimage. The statement added that the working teams at the crossing and the supporting departments performed their duties with a high sense of responsibility, according to the plan set under the supervision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and with field follow-up from the Minister of Interior.

Al-Waeli pointed out that the total number of pilgrims arriving in Iraq since the start of the pilgrimage reached around 3 million, while approximately 1 million have departed so far. He noted that Zurbatiya crossing received about 1.3 million pilgrims and saw the departure of around 500,000, representing roughly 45 to 50 percent of the total recorded numbers.

He stressed that the border crossings are currently witnessing an intense reverse flow of pilgrims, with plans in place to accommodate the increasing numbers. He affirmed the Authority’s commitment to ensuring the success of the security and service plan, and to showcasing the true image of Iraq, its people and leadership, in their hospitality, streamlined procedures, and provision of services befitting the sanctity of this blessed pilgrimage.