Necessary security measures have been taken to ensure safe travel of pilgrims to the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) in Iraq, Deputy Head of Basij General Ali Fazli said.
Imam Hussein is the grandson of Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) and the third Imam of Shiite Muslims. He was martyred and beheaded in the Battle of Karbala on 10 October 680 (10 Muḥarram 61) along with most of his family and companions. His holy shrine is located in the Iraqi city of Karbala.
Millions of Muslims from all countries, Iran in particular, head for Karbala each year to commemorate Arbaeen (or the end of the 40-day mourning period after the killing of Imam Hussein).
Three entrances, namely Mehran, Chazabeh and Shalamche, have been marked for the purpose of pilgrims intending to cross Iran-Iraq borders to travel to the holy site in Iraq, General Fazli added.
He said all residential and welfare services were prepared for the pilgrims.
He noted that almost 10 million pilgrims could travel to the Iraqi holy sites through the mentioned border points each year after all necessary grounds were prepared in the future.
