Iranian Arbaeen Pilgrims Stranded Beyond Iraqi Border

Suhila.Kh. FNA News Agency: Attending the Arbaeen ceremony this year has faced numerous incidents and controversies for Iranians. Now the Iraqi government has closed one of its borders to Shia Iranians eager to attend the Arbaeen ceremony, leaving them in unfavorable conditions. Iranian officials are also unable to provide adequate welfare facilities and proper hospitality to the stranded crowds at the Mehran border due to lack of resources.

Vehicles are parked in several long queues behind the border, and passengers are not in acceptable conditions.

While Islamic Republic officials have repeatedly assured the public in recent weeks that necessary preparations have been made for their participation in the Arbaeen march and that full readiness exists.

The Iran-Iraq border in Mehran was closed from 6:35 AM on Thursday.

With the emergence of this problem, 50 to 70 thousand Iranians spent Thursday night in the distance between Za’er Bridge in Mehran city to the zero border point.

According to FNA reports, passengers and vehicles are now stranded in the 11-kilometer route from the zero border point to Mehran city and do not have the necessary welfare facilities.

Commander Noor Ali Yari stated today in Ilam that there are no problems for providing services to Iranians in Ilam, and up to 150 thousand food packages are prepared daily for distribution among pilgrims, while Ilam city is 95 kilometers away from Mehran border.

A group of enthusiasts interested in participating in this ceremony fell victim to scammers. They were harmed by purchasing fake tickets, while there were no flights involved.

The bitter incident of Samarra explosions and the death and injury of over a hundred of our compatriots was still fresh in minds when the crash of an Arbaeen passenger bus on the Aqlid-Yasuj road claimed victims.

These controversies have emerged while the promises and assurances of Islamic Republic officials regarding the protection of security and welfare of travelers on their journey to Iraq have been repeatedly reflected in the media.

Under these circumstances, the families and relatives of over two million Iranians are now anxiously waiting for the return of travelers who set out to the war-torn country of Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen ceremony. The return of Iranians from Iraq will begin in two days. Given the closure of this route, there are also concerns about the return that are expected to face people with problems.