Iraqi Interior Ministry Lauds Success of Ashura Security Plan in Karbala as Shia World Honours Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday afternoon that this year’s Ashura mourning ceremonies in Karbala were successfully secured.
A key highlight of this year’s security plan was the complete absence of any weapons during its implementation. Tens of thousands of foreign pilgrims took part in the Ashura rituals, with their arrival and departure processes running smoothly and efficiently.
Miqdad Miri, head of the ministry’s Communications and Media Department, described the ceremonies as some of the most organized and seamless in recent years, both in managing pilgrim movement and ensuring security and services.
He emphasized that the special security and service plan was executed with full discipline and order, under the direct supervision of the Interior Minister and with active involvement from all commanders and staff on the ground.
In parallel, the Iraqi Ministry of Health reported that its teams provided medical care, awareness campaigns, and relief services to over 12 million Ashura mourners. Volunteer teams also supported pilgrims attending the blood-letting (Tatbir) and Tuwairaj mourning ceremony in Karbala, offering medical, educational, and humanitarian aid.
These volunteers, motivated by their religious and humanitarian dedication to serving the followers of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), expressed their condolences and demonstrated a spirit of sacrifice and commitment.
The Ministry of Health stressed its focus on enhancing medical services during major events like Ashura, working through preventive measures and high-level coordination to safeguard the health of pilgrims and uphold the sanctity of the ceremonies.
On Ashura Sunday, major public processions took place in Lebanon, especially in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other Shia areas, where organized groups called Mowkebs offered food, drinks, and symbolic services to mourners.
In Bahrain, a two-day public holiday was declared to enable full participation in Ashura activities, with processions held across towns and villages featuring participants dressed in black and chanting rhythmically.
In Indonesia, diverse Muharram traditions blended religious reverence with local culture, including coffin rituals in Bengkulu, Tabuik in Pariaman, fire ceremonies in Aceh, mourning pudding in Madura, reflection in Klaten, and charitable food distribution in Palembang.
Globally, Shia diaspora communities in Western countries held commemorations despite Ashura not being a public holiday. In the U.S., large processions occurred in cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, Dearborn, and Los Angeles, including sermons, mourning rituals, and food distribution. Across Europe, cities from London to Berlin hosted majalis, charity events, and educational programs to honor Karbala’s legacy and educate younger generations.
