Nearly 2.9 Million Foreign Pilgrims Enter Iraq for Arbaeen as Karbala Prepares for Massive Gathering
Nearly 2.9 Million Foreign Pilgrims Enter Iraq for Arbaeen as Karbala Prepares for Massive Gathering
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The number of pilgrims arriving in Iraq to commemorate the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) has reached nearly 2.9 million, as Karbala witnesses a continuous influx of visitors, extensive service preparations, religious commemorations, and advanced medical initiatives to support one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.
The Control Center for the Arbaeen Pilgrimage at the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces announced that 2,887,305 pilgrims entered Iraq from the beginning of Muharram until last night, with visitor numbers continuing to rise as millions head toward the holy city of Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen.
The center stated that border crossings and Iraqi airports continue to witness a steady flow of pilgrims from various countries, with security, service, health, and transportation authorities implementing coordinated plans to facilitate movement and ensure the safety of visitors.
Meanwhile, Karbala is experiencing a massive influx of pilgrims from inside Iraq and abroad, with large crowds filling the Imam Hussein and al-Abbas shrines and the surrounding areas. Pilgrims continue arriving on foot and by various means of transportation, while thousands of Hussaini service processions along the routes provide food, water, accommodation, medical assistance, and logistical support.
As part of the religious commemorations accompanying Arbaeen, Hussaini processions in several areas organized reenactments depicting the return of the captives of Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) from Syria to Karbala, recalling the suffering and endurance of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him), and the family of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) following the tragedy of Karbala.
The ceremonies highlighted historical accounts associated with the arrival of the captives in Karbala on the twentieth of Safar, coinciding with the Arbaeen visitation, and reflected the themes of patience, steadfastness, and devotion associated with the Hussaini movement.
In the health sector, the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) launched advanced digital medical camps in Karbala as part of its Arbaeen health plan. The camps use artificial intelligence technologies to support diagnosis, medical monitoring, and emergency response for pilgrims.
The initiative includes advanced medical equipment, a fully equipped laboratory, specialized teams for rapid response to cardiac emergencies and mass casualty situations, as well as round-the-clock first aid services and monitoring systems designed to strengthen medical readiness during the pilgrimage.
Security forces and government institutions continue implementing their Arbaeen plans to protect pilgrims and maintain the smooth flow of movement, while border crossings and airports remain active in receiving international visitors arriving to participate in the annual pilgrimage.
