Iran’s Air Force Offering Civilian Services in Arbaeen Season
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – As millions of Iranians have traveled to Iraq in recent weeks to attend the Arbaeen mourning rituals, the Iranian Air Force has placed its capacities at the disposal of pilgrims, the commander of the force said.
During a visit to the Mehran border crossing in western Iran, Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi said his forces have assisted the Arbaeen pilgrimage organizers in serving the travelers and providing logistical support.
The commander said several Air Force flights have airlifted supplies needed by the pilgrims from Tehran, Mashhad, Kermanshah and Ilam.
Another Air Force transport aircraft is going to ship a cargo of foodstuff and health products for the Arbaeen pilgrims, he added.
Vahedi also noted that the Air Force has set up a 33-bed hospital and a pavilion providing food, beverage, accommodation and medical services for the pilgrims at the Mehran border crossing.
Iranian officials have predicted that around five million pilgrims will travel to Iraq during this year’s Arbaeen season.
The Arbaeen mourning ceremony is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
It marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Imam Hussein (AS).
Each year during the Arbaeen season, pilgrims, mainly from Iraq and Iran, travel long routes on foot to Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located.
