1.8 Million Arbaeen Pilgrims Returned from Iraq, Says Police Chief

The Commander-in-Chief of Iran's Law Enforcement Command (Police), Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Radan, announced on Monday that 1.8 million Arbaeen pilgrims have returned to Iran from Iraq. He made the remarks during an inspection visit to the Mehran Border Crossing in Ilam Province.

General Radan stated that so far, 3.3 million Arbaeen pilgrims have left the country's borders, and 1.8 million have entered. He highlighted the significant role of the Mehran border crossing, which facilitated the departure of 1.4 million pilgrims and the return of 700,000 others.

The police chief also noted a positive trend in road safety, saying, "Despite the increase in the volume of travel, deaths in accidents have decreased by 40% compared to the same period last year." He attributed this improvement to enhanced cooperation and coordination.

Furthermore, General Radan expressed satisfaction with the streamlined border procedures, stating, "Fortunately, with cooperation with Iraq, the process of pilgrims' waiting at passport gates has reached its lowest point." This indicates improved efficiency in managing the large influx of pilgrims during the Arbaeen season.

According to Mehr News Agency, these remarks were made during an inspection visit to ensure the smooth return of pilgrims. The Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, commemorates the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), and millions of Shia Muslims from Iran and other countries travel to Karbala in Iraq to participate.