Baghdad-INA
Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command and Chairman of the Higher Security Committee for Mass Pilgrimages, Lt. Gen. Staff Dr. Qais Al-Mohammadawi, on Saturday directed security forces to avoid militarizing pilgrims' routes and to rely on intelligence efforts in securing Ashura and Arbaeen pilgrimages.
The Joint Operations Command said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that, "in conjunction with ongoing security efforts, Lt. Gen. Staff Qais Al-Mohammadawi, Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command and Chairman of the Higher Security Committee for Mass Pilgrimages, chaired a specialized conference at the Joint Operations Command headquarters to discuss intelligence efforts and field operations during the first 10 days of the holy month of Muharram and the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein(PBUH), the Master of Martyrs."
The meeting was attended by all intelligence bodies within the security services, the Joint Operations Command's staff authority, representatives of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and a number of officers.
The statement added that Al-Mohammadawi stressed a number of key recommendations, foremost among them intensifying intelligence efforts, avoiding the militarization of cities, roads and pilgrims' routes, and maintaining a strong focus on securing pilgrims' corridors and preventing any security breaches.
He also underscored the need for stringent security screening at all locations expected to witness large gatherings of mourners, including vehicle parking areas and Husseini mourning processions.
He added that Lt. Gen. Staff Al-Mohammadawi also received a detailed briefing on the progress of the intelligence plan from the relevant agencies, security services and departments, directing that further efforts be exerted and that the best possible arrangements be provided to ensure the comfort of pilgrims from inside and outside the country in observing the two important occasions.
He praised the significant efforts being made by all security agencies assigned with this duty.