Latest news with #MuqdadMiri
Shafaq News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq appoints spokesperson for religious pilgrimage committees
Shafaq News - Baghdad Iraq has appointed Maj. Gen. Muqdad Miri as the official spokesperson for the security and service committees managing the country's major religious pilgrimages, a source from the Interior Ministry confirmed on Wednesday. Speaking to Shafaq News, the source explained that the move aims to "unify official messaging and improve coordination during high-density pilgrimage seasons such as Arbaeen* and Ashura," which require complex security, logistical, and public service efforts across several provinces. Miri, who heads the ministry's Public Relations and Media Directorate, will now serve as the central source for all statements and updates related to the committees' activities. These committees are responsible for overseeing security, traffic control, crowd management, emergency response, and logistics for millions of pilgrims each year. * Arbaeen is a major Shia Muslim religious observance marking the 40th day after Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. It draws millions of pilgrims each year to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Imam Hussein is buried, making it one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings.
Shafaq News
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Ashura pilgrimage praised as one of Iraq's safest in years
Shafaq News – Karbala This year's Ashura pilgrimage unfolded without any security breaches in the city of Karbala, Iraq's Interior Ministry reported on Sunday, calling it one of the most efficiently managed in recent years. Maj. Gen. Muqdad Miri, head of the Ministry's Relations and Media Department, highlighted the low number of traffic and fire-related incidents, attributing the outcome to coordinated efforts across security and support agencies. "The operational plan remains on track, under direct ministerial oversight and with active involvement from field commanders," he added. Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Millions of Shiite pilgrims gather annually in Karbala for commemorations and processions.
Shafaq News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq on MAXIMUM ALERT for Arab League summit
Shafaq News/ Iraq has placed military and police units on maximum alert ahead of the May 17 Arab League summit in Baghdad, security sources said on Friday. The Joint Operations Command ordered all units under the Defense and Interior Ministries, along with other agencies, to enter 'Level C' readiness starting May 11. The alert level requires full deployment, enhanced checkpoint control, and intensified surveillance across key sites. Interior Ministry spokesperson Muqdad Miri told Shafaq News that the ministry is leading operational coordination. 'All relevant forces are mobilized to ensure the summit proceeds without incident.' Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has instructed continuous coordination among security institutions, describing the summit as a 'critical test' of Iraq's ability to host major regional events. The gathering marks the first Arab League summit in Baghdad since 2012. It will bring together Arab leaders to address regional conflicts, economic cooperation, and normalization efforts.
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.
Shafaq News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Interior 2025 Q1 success: Iraq dismantles 140+ drug networks
Shafaq News/ Iraq has deployed its most advanced border security system to date, the Ministry of Interior announced on Monday. During a press conference outlining the ministry's achievements in the first quarter of 2025, spokesperson Major General Muqdad Miri, Director of the Department of Relations and Media at the Ministry of Interior, described the current security environment as 'the best since 2003.' He noted that the Border Forces Command had engaged with neighboring countries to bolster control along shared frontiers. 'Border security is now at its highest level, especially following the introduction of radar systems to reduce reliance on manpower,' Miri stated. He added that Iraqi border forces are now equipped with drones fitted with thermal cameras capable of monitoring areas up to 80 kilometers away. Miri also reported a sharp rise in drug prices across the country, attributing the trend to intensified security operations. Authorities dismantled 79 domestic and 67 international narcotics networks during the reporting period. Twelve international arrest warrants were issued, resulting in the extradition of 12 suspects, most of whom were returned from Kuwait. Efforts to counter misinformation campaigns have also intensified. The ministry reported that it had countered 938 such campaigns and arrested 2,478 individuals, including both Iraqi and foreign nationals, on charges related to smuggling and illegal border infiltration. Security forces also seized four million liters of smuggled oil derivatives and confiscated $412,625 in counterfeit US currency.
