Baghdad-INA
Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command and head of the Supreme Security Committee for Mass Pilgrimages, Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi, chaired an expanded conference on Wednesday to discuss security and service preparations for the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH).
The Security Media Cell said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command and head of the Supreme Security Committee for Mass Pilgrimages, Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi, chaired an expanded security and service conference at the command headquarters on Wednesday to review the plan for securing the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH).”
It added that the conference was attended by the head of the Services Committee for Religious Pilgrimages, members of the Joint Operations Command staff, the Director of Military Intelligence, the Interior Ministry's Undersecretary for Intelligence Affairs, the Director of Operations at the Interior Ministry, as well as representatives of the holy shrines, the Ground Forces Command, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the Prime Minister’s Office, all relevant ministries, service departments and security agencies. Operations commanders, police chiefs, PMF sector commanders, representatives of the holy shrines and local governments also participated via videoconference.
The statement noted that the conference was dedicated to discussing potential challenges and obstacles, preparing all necessary requirements, and focusing on early preparations in line with the responsibilities assigned to each entity. Al-Muhammadawi also received a detailed briefing from the head of the Services Committee, who reviewed coordination mechanisms aimed at ensuring the smooth delivery of services to pilgrims and the integration of security and service efforts to ensure the success of the commemoration of Ashura.
It added that the head of the Security Committee issued a number of key recommendations, foremost among them the need for unified efforts and joint coordination among all members of the security and service committees to present the occasion in the best possible manner, particularly as millions of pilgrims from within Iraq and abroad prepare to participate in the commemoration.