Latest news with #SupremeSecurityCommittee
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Shafaq News
Millions gather in Karbala for Arbaeen
Shafaq News – Karbala Millions of pilgrims have converged on the Iraqi city of Karbala to mark Arbaeen, the 40th day of mourning following Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of the third Shia Imam Hussein bin Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Earlier, Iraq's Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari announced a comprehensive security and service plan to manage the influx of visitors. He said preparations were focused not only on Karbala but also on Najaf, the main entry point for the pilgrimage, and on routes across Babil province. The plan includes reinforcing checkpoints, increasing patrols, deploying additional security units, and enhancing traffic management to keep all designated roads open. Authorities have coordinated with local governments and service departments to provide water, electricity, and public transport for pilgrims. Special measures were also introduced to reduce road congestion, with the Supreme Security Committee urging the use of public transportation to ensure safe and efficient travel. Najaf and Baghdad international airports are operating without limits to accommodate the continuous arrival of visitors from abroad. The Iraqi Red Crescent and other humanitarian organizations have established dozens of medical and rest stations along the main routes. The Iranian Red Crescent said it has deployed around 8,000 volunteers, supported by 23 helicopters, one aircraft, 150 emergency vehicles, and 58 clinics and hospitals in Najaf, Karbala, and other key locations. In addition, thousands of service tents offering free food, cold water, and rest areas have been set up along streets and roads leading to the holy city to support pilgrims during their journey. Local and international media have been covering the pilgrimage extensively, broadcasting religious recitations and scenes from the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. Pilgrims from across Iraq and countries such as Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and Gulf states are participating, with many undertaking the 80–90 km walk from Najaf to Karbala in summer temperatures reaching 43–46 degrees Celsius. Arbaeen is regarded as one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, symbolizing for Shia Muslims the principles of justice, sacrifice, and unity.
Yemen Online
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen: Security Forces Dismantle Dangerous Terror Cell in Taiz Linked to Houthis, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS
The Yemeni government announced on Saturday the successful dismantling of one of the most dangerous terrorist cells operating in the city of Taiz, with confirmed links to the Houthi militia, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS, according to a statement by the country's Supreme Security Committee. The operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, and resulted in the arrest of several individuals involved in assassinations, bombings, and espionage targeting military, civilian, and humanitarian figures in liberated provinces. Among those apprehended were suspects directly involved in the 2023 assassination of Moayad Hamidi, head of the World Food Programme office in Taiz, as well as individuals implicated in the 2021 car bombing targeting Aden Governor Ahmed Lamlas, which killed several of his bodyguards. Security forces also uncovered a bomb-making workshop in the Al-Shamayatayn district of Taiz, where explosive devices, car bomb components, and surveillance equipment were seized. Investigations revealed that the cell had been coordinating with senior Houthi leaders, including former military commander Amjad Khaled, who is accused of facilitating communication between the Houthis and extremist groups. The committee praised the efforts of local authorities, military units, and citizens in Taiz for their cooperation and vigilance, describing the operation as a major blow to terrorist networks seeking to destabilize Yemen's liberated areas. Officials confirmed that Yemen will coordinate with Interpol and international partners to pursue fugitives and bring them to justice, while also strengthening counterterrorism efforts and public awareness campaigns to combat extremist ideologies.
Yemen Online
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen Gov't forces Capture Houthi , Al-Qaeda Cells in Aden ,Taiz
Yemeni authorities announced on Tuesday the arrest of Houthi-affiliated and Al-Qaeda cells in Aden and Taiz following intensive surveillance and intelligence tracking. Aden police issued an official statement confirming the capture of a specialized Houthi cell tasked with monitoring the movements of military and security officials within southern forces. The arrested individuals confessed to undergoing combat training in Houthi-run camps before being deployed to Aden for espionage missions. Meanwhile, Taiz's Supreme Security Committee reported the detention of several extremist operatives linked to Al-Qaeda. According to preliminary investigations, these operatives coordinated with Houthi militias to execute sabotage operations and target security, military, and civilian leaders in the province and liberated areas. Officials revealed that these individuals were directly involved in acts of assassination and destruction, including their suspected role in the murder of World Food Program employee Moayad Hamidi in Al-Turba in 2023. Security forces also uncovered explosive materials, light and medium weapons, along with vehicles rigged for terrorist attacks inside residences belonging to the detained cells. Authorities suspect these groups planned assaults on government institutions and security facilities in both Aden and Taiz. The Yemeni government hailed the operation as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce security and stability, pledging to counter the threats posed by Houthi militias and extremist organizations seeking to destabilize the nation.
Shafaq News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Arab Summit: Baghdad fully secured with no visible armed presence
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Ministry of Defense has completed all necessary preparations to secure the upcoming 34 th Arab League Summit scheduled for Saturday, May 17, in Baghdad, ensuring the city is ready for the high-profile event. Tahseen Al-Khafaji, the Ministry's Director of Media and Moral Guidance, told Shafaq News that "forces from the Baghdad Operations Command and affiliated units are fully mobilized, with all necessary capabilities and resources deployed across all sectors,' highlighting the collaborative effort with the Supreme Security Committee, led by Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari. The official emphasized that "preparations have been underway for about a month," with units and resources specifically assigned to support the security plan. 'The approach will focus on intelligence and security measures, without a visible armed presence.' Earlier today, Baghdad hosted the Economic and Social Council meeting at the ministerial level, part of preparations for the 5th Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. Iraq Already on Alert To accommodate the event, the Iraqi government has announced a suspension of public sector work in the capital on Thursday, May 15, and Sunday, May 18 — except for the Ministry of Education — and imposed a ten-day ban on protests. Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has directed continuous coordination among security agencies to ensure the success of both the Arab and Development Summits, viewing their successful organization as both a political and security victory. The Supreme Security Committee revealed that 600 officers and personnel have been selected for high-level protection training, including securing hotels and the airport, while minimizing the visibility of armed personnel. Beyond security, the country has made significant infrastructural investments to ensure the success of the summits. The Baghdad Municipality has completed 84 projects, improving key roads and areas throughout the city.
Shafaq News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Arab League summit preparation: Baghdad Airport sees security overhaul
Shafaq News/ Iraqi authorities have removed visible armed presences and reinforced security at Baghdad International Airport ahead of the 34th Arab League Summit, a spokesperson for the Supreme Security Committee announced on Wednesday. In a press briefing, Muqdad Miri confirmed that a directive from the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, has tasked the Ministry of Interior with summit security. A detailed security plan has been put in place, covering the safety of delegations, guests, and participants, along with emergency protocols. The committee is also overseeing guest movements, security checks, and customs procedures for contracted companies. As part of the preparations, 600 officers have been selected for VIP protection duties, and senior officers have been assigned to manage accommodation logistics in coordination with intelligence services. A dedicated security force will also protect key hotels, while armed presences have been concealed. Security around the airport and access routes has been bolstered. The 34th Arab League Summit is set to take place in Baghdad on May 17, 2025. Final preparations are being made for hospitality services, transportation, and attendee badges. Air defense units will secure Baghdad's airspace, and authorities confirmed that roads will remain open and daily life in the capital will continue without disruption.
