RNA � Head of the Islamic Republic Red Crescent Society (RCS) Seyed Amir Mohsen Ziaie said on Sunday that 60 tons of medicine was distributed among the relief aid headquarters on the way to Karbala in Iraq in days leading to Arbaeen.


Ziaie told IRNA on Sunday that his office had been responsible during the rituals to provide rescue, health and medication and emergency services.

Arbaeen, falling on November 20 this year, is a Shiia Muslim religious observance that occurs forty days after the Day of Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the third Imam of Shiia Muslims.

Over two million Iranians traveled to Karbala in Iraq to take part in mourning ceremonies which were held there on Sunday to mark the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of Shiia Muslims.

He noted that about 6,500 of its personnel were busy serving the pilgrims in Iran and 2,000 others in Iraq.

He said about 36 ambulances and three ambulance buses had been used for the purpose in Iraqi territory.

Up to so far, 159,000 Iranian pilgrims have crossed into Iranian territory from Chazabe border after performing Arbaeen rituals.