Najaf and Karbala prepare to host the body of the martyred leader of the revolution; extensive mobilization of the Popular Mobilization Force, processions and tribes of Iraq

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: While Iran is still holding the magnificent funeral ceremonies for the body of the martyred Ayatollah Imam Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei (may Allah have mercy on him), Iraq is preparing with all its government, security, service and public capacities to host this historic event.

 

According to Saad Maan, spokesman for the High Committee for the Funeral, the official welcoming ceremony will be held on Tuesday evening in the presence of high-ranking Iraqi and Iranian officials. The main funeral will begin on Wednesday:

In Najaf Ashraf: From 6 am, the route from the Kufa Bridge to Thawrat al-Ashrin Square and then the holy shrine of the Commander of the Faithful (AS). Farewell in the courtyard of Hazrat Fatima (AS) and noon prayer.

In Karbala: The same afternoon from Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis Street to the Inter-Haram. Iraqi authorities consider this ceremony not only an official duty, but also a symbol of the depth of love, loyalty and unbreakable ties between the two nations and two countries, and have mobilized all facilities to hold it as magnificently as possible.

 

Formation of High Committees and Government Coordination

Immediately after announcing the funeral of the martyred leader of the revolution, the Iraqi government formed the High Committee for the Supervision of the Funeral, headed by Ihsan al-Awwadi, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister. The committee is working with the presence of representatives from the governorates of Najaf Ashraf and Karbala al-Mu'alla, the ministries of transportation, interior, foreign affairs, health, and the management of the Alawi, Husseini, and Abbasid holy shrines. Numerous coordination meetings have been held at high levels, and each department has assumed specific responsibilities.

 

Qassem al-Yassari, head of the Karbala Provincial Council, also emphasized that the province has mobilized all its service and infrastructure capabilities. Numerous meetings have been held with tribes, tribes, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to ensure that no detail is overlooked. Meanwhile, the provinces of Baghdad, Najaf Ashraf, Karbala al-Mu'alla, Babylon, Dhi Qar, Basra, Maysan, and Wasit have so far declared the upcoming Wednesday closed.

 

Extensive security preparations

According to Iraqi media reports, the security plan includes the creation of multi-layered protective belts around the holy shrines, funeral routes, and gathering points for pilgrims. Responsibilities have been carefully divided between the Iraqi army, the federal police and the Popular Mobilization Forces to ensure full coverage of all areas. "Saad Ma'an, spokesman for the Supreme Committee, announced in a press conference that a comprehensive security plan has been developed and all institutions are fully cooperating to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent any disruption. In addition to controlling traffic, the security forces have focused on monitoring the entry and exit points of the cities, CCTV cameras and rapid response teams.

 

The pivotal role of the Popular Mobilization Forces

In the meantime, the Popular Mobilization Forces, as one of the main pillars, have made unremitting efforts. Abdulaziz al-Mohammadawy, Chief of Staff of the Popular Mobilization Forces, personally went to Karbala in the field and closely inspected the preparations. He inspected the details of the organizational, service, engineering and security measures and issued the necessary orders to expedite the work.

 

Yasser Hussein al-Issawi, deputy chief of staff for operations, announced that organizational preparations in Najaf Ashraf and Karbala al-Mu’alla have been fully completed and that necessary coordination with other security forces is in place.

 

One of the most prominent measures is the dispatch of extensive service and engineering convoys of the Popular Mobilization Forces since Saturday. These convoys include dozens of excavators, material trucks, power generators, water tankers, and specialized technical teams that have moved to target areas to pave paths, establish temporary rest areas, provide lighting, set up tents, and set up service points.