First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri discussed the latest security conditions in the region ahead of the upcoming Shia ceremonies in Iraq’s southern cities with the expected participation of a large number of Iranian pilgrims.
In a phone talk with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi late Wednesday, Jahangiri referred to the annual Arbaeen ritual on the 40th day anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), in which millions of Muslims travel to Karbala, where the Imam and his companions are laid to rest.
“That peaceful massive rally amid exemplary security is considered a great political success for the Iraqi government and nation,” Jahangiri was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency.
Abadi stressed that the Iraqi government would make every effort to ensure the security of pilgrims and their wellbeing throughout their stay in Iraq.
In related remarks earlier this month, Police chief Hossein Ashtari announced that a large number of police forces have been deployed along the common border with Iraq to guarantee the security of Iranian pilgrims traveling to Iraq to take part in the mourning ceremonies for marking Arbaeen, which falls on Dec. 2.
