Iran’s Army to Fly Drones, Balloons for Arbaeen Security

By Staff, Agencies

Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force unveiled plans for the employment of military drones and balloons to ensure the security of pilgrims visiting neighboring Iraq for Arbaeen.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Thursday, Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari said the Army Ground Force is going to carry out regular plans for protecting the security of pilgrims in this year’s Arbaeen season, during which a huge crowd of people visit Iraq to pay tribute to Imam Hussein [AS], the third Shiite Imam.

Like the previous years, the Army Ground Force will be flying drones, balloons and quadcopters to ensure the security of Arbaeen pilgrims, he noted.

The commander also stated that his forces are fulfilling their needs with homegrown aerial vehicles, saying various types of drones are used for border control along the country’s eastern, western and southwestern boundaries.

Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, comes 40 days after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein [AS].

Millions of people flock to Karbala every year, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein is located, to perform mourning rites.