Organization of Arba’een ceremonies shows Iraqis do not need foreign security assistance

Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani has sent a message to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to congratulate him on the victory Iraqi armed forces and volunteers pulled out in ensuring the security of the largest human congregation across the world. The following is a translation of part of the message Javan daily released on December 16:

In the message, Shamkhani said although Takfiri terrorists were bent on disrupting the event, Iraqi security and intelligence forces did an excellent job in ensuring the security of the congregation. “That Iraqi government tapped into the enormous potential of volunteers to provide security for the ceremonies displayed the matchless power of popular determination in countering terrorists.”

The message further said, “The glorious organization of the event which, thanks to the presence of different groups such as Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds turned into manifestation of Iraqi national unity, proved that the Iraqis are capable of maintaining their security without reliance on foreigners.

“No doubt, determined Iraqis can build on the support of religious scholars to beat the remainder of terrorists and restore peace, welfare and security to their nation.”

In conclusion, Shamkhani thanked the Iraqis for hosting more than 1.5 million Iranians and thousands of others from 60 different countries during the ceremonies.

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