Karbala: Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi, the chief of staff of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, met with the country's senior security and military officials in Karbala on Tuesday to review final security, operational, and logistical arrangements for the funeral procession of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, al-Muhammadawi chaired a comprehensive meeting at the headquarters of the Iraqi Army's Karbala Operations Command. The meeting was attended by the head of the prime minister's office, the deputy commander of the Joint Operations Command, and several senior security and military commanders.

Participants focused on reviewing security and operational plans for the ceremonies. They also discussed coordination mechanisms among various security and military bodies to ensure smooth mission execution, public safety, and order throughout the procession.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the need for full coordination among all responsible institutions. Participants called for continued field and logistical preparations to ensure the ceremonies are conducted at the highest level of security and order.

The provinces of Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, Dhi Qar, Basra, Maysan, and Wasit have declared Wednesday a public holiday for the funeral procession in Iraq. Iraqi officials have announced that the body of the martyred Leader is set to arrive in Najaf on Tuesday evening. Official ceremonies will be held jointly by Iranian and Iraqi officials, followed by a procession through parts of Karbala and at the shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas (AS) at 4 p.m. local time Wednesday.