Iraqi sources reported special security preparations for the Arbaeen ceremony in Diyala, Iraq, and the participation of 6,000 Atbat mobilization fighters in securing the Arbaeen pilgrims this year.
According to the international group of Pak Sahafat news agency, quoted by Al-Furat News, Abdul Ghani al-Assadi, head of the Iraqi National Security Agency, traveled to Diyala province to be on special security preparations for the Arbaeen ceremony in the province.
The media office of the head of the Iraqi National Security Organization stated: During a visit to Diyala, “Abdul Ghani Al-Asadi” was informed of the latest special security preparations for the 40th anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS).
On the other hand, the commander of Al-Abbas (AS) Combat Division, affiliated to the Iraqi Popular Mobilization, announced the participation of 6,000 of his fighters in the security operation of the Arbaeen ceremony and announced that this year, the Atbat forces will officially participate in the security of the Arbaeen ceremony under the title of Atbat Rally.
The commander of the division said during a security meeting attended by the Iraqi Interior Minister and a group of other senior Iraqi security commanders in Karbala: This year, the forces of Atbat will officially participate in securing the Arbaeen ceremony under the name of Atbat Rally.
He added: At least 6,000 fighters will take part in the security plan, and this can be increased. In addition, volunteers will participate along with the department for maintaining the order of the holy relics.
The Atbat rally consists of two combat divisions, Al-Abbas and Imam Ali (AS), and two brigades, Ali al-Akbar and Ansar al-Marja’iyya.
Every year, the Atbat Rally Forces provide security for the Arbaeen and Ashura ceremonies through measures such as controlling the entrances to Karbala and monitoring the skies of the two holy shrines.
Earlier, Tahsin al-Khafaji, the spokesman for the Iraqi Joint Operations, announced the Arbaeen special security plan.