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Karbala Hosts Arbaeen Climax with 4.8 Million Foreign Pilgrims Amid Unprecedented Security

Karbala: The Arba'een pilgrimage to the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas reached its peak on Monday evening, concluding at noon today in Karbala. This event saw the largest security and service mobilization, with constant field intelligence coordination to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims. According to National Iraqi News Agency, since the beginning of Muharram, the number of pilgrims arriving in Iraq has exceeded 4,887,660, with visitors from numerous countries participating in the Arba'een commemorations. The Arba'een Pilgrimage Command Center confirmed that the security and service plan continues in coordination with various security agencies and support entities, under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Updated statistics showed that the number of visitors reached 4,887,660 by last Sunday night, with security forces and supporting agencies following established plans to accommodate the increasing number of visitor s. This includes enhancing security, organizational, and service measures to ensure a safe pilgrimage environment. The General Directorate of Traffic announced the deployment of 16,000 officers and personnel for the Arba'een traffic plan, ensuring high traffic flow in Karbala without road closures. Lieutenant General Uday Samir al-Hassani noted the use of radar systems and smart cameras to monitor roads and manage vehicle traffic, along with vehicle inspections to ensure safety standards. Government services for transport, management, and serving pilgrims were intensified under the supervision of the Ministries of Transport and Health. This year's ceremonies saw participation from mourning processions from Uganda, Canada, and the United Kingdom, highlighting international participation. The Popular Mobilization Forces unveiled a 2,500 square meter poster between the two holy shrines, featuring images of martyrs and the slogan, "One like me does not pledge allegiance to one like him," commemorating their sa crifices. Karbala Governorate witnessed millions of pilgrims arriving, supported by widespread processions and service organizations from Baghdad and other governorates. These organizations provided logistical support and services to pilgrims walking towards Karbala. Iraqi generosity was reflected in the thousands of processions and volunteers who worked tirelessly to distribute meals, sweets, Arabic coffee, dates, and juices, offering various humanitarian services and demonstrating popular solidarity and organization during the annual Arba'een pilgrimage.