Trucks Banned From Entering Iraq Until Nov. 14

As per a directive issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, trucks carrying goods to Iraq, except for refrigerated freights loaded with perishable food, through the Khosravi, Mehran, Chazzabeh and Shalamcheh borders with the neighboring country are banned until Nov. 14. The measure has been taken by IRICA to facilitate the travel of some 650,000 pilgrims visiting Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen and prevent truck drivers from being held up in the congested border crossings and Iraqi roads during the period, Mehr News Agency reported on Monday.  Arbaeen is a major Shia observance marking the 40th-day anniversary after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Ashura Day (coinciding with Nov. 9 this year). Every year, a large number of Shias converge on the Iraqi city of Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (PBUH) is located.