Thousands of pilgrims have set out from Basra Province, embarking on a walk of more than 530 kilometers to reach the shrine city of Karbala ahead of Arbaeen.

Along the routes leading to Karbala, Mawkibs (pilgrim service stations) have been established to provide essential services, including food and beverages, rest areas, prayer facilities, accommodation, and medical care.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims are participating in the procession, traveling from central Basra through the areas of Al-Kazizah, Karma Ali, and Al-Haritha.

The pilgrimage is being conducted under extensive security measures, with security and intelligence forces deployed along the route to Dhi Qar Province and other connecting roads to ensure the safety of participants.

Municipal authorities have also intensified sanitation efforts, working to collect the thousands of tons of food and beverage waste generated by approximately 3,500 Mawkibs serving pilgrims along the route.

Arbaeen is a major religious observance commemorated by Shia Muslims on the fortieth day after Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the third Shia Imam.

It is one of the world's largest annual pilgrimages, drawing millions of participants. In addition to Shia Muslims, many Sunnis and followers of other faiths also take part, traveling on foot to Karbala from cities across Iraq and neighboring countries. This year, Arbaeen will be observed on August 4.