Iran Red Cross choppers ready to help pilgrims in Iraq if needed

Tehran, IRNA – President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society Pir-Hossein Kolivand announced Wednesday that permission is given to the IRCS helicopters to enter Iraqi soil to help the pilgrims if needed. Seven choppers of the Iranian Red Crescent are providing services to the Arbaeen pilgrims within western borders, Kolivand told IRNA. Also, two airplanes are ready to provide the pilgrims with hospital care or transport the patients from Iraq to Iran, he said. About the Iranian pilgrims who have been hospitalized in Iraq, the official said they will be transported to Iran as soon as they have proper conditions. Medical teams are busy providing services for the Arbaeen pilgrims, he underlined. Arbaeen which falls on September 17 this year is a mourning ritual observed by Shia Muslims worldwide marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) – the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad [PBUH]. Millions of Shia Muslims from across the world walk tens of kilometers to get to the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala on Arbaeen Day. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish