ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi on Sunday called on Iraqi forces to be vigilant and track “terrorist cells” in the country as well as secure the Iraqi-Syrian border from the threat of Islamic State (IS) attacks.

Abdul-Mahdi’s remarks came during a security meeting with military leaders at the headquarters of the Joint Operations Command, according to his press office.

The military gathering follows Iraqi forces having had to implement tighter security measures ahead of the religious ceremony of Arbaeen in the holy city of Karbala, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein.

Dozens of thousands of Shia Muslims from Iraq and other countries will gather in the city to perform the two-day religious ceremony, starting on Oct. 30.

“The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces [Abdul-Mahdi] stressed the importance of maintaining efforts, vigilance, and perseverance to keep track of terrorist cells and secure the border,” the statement continued. “Considering the situation, we have a common enemy in Syria and must fully secure our borders.”

Despite Iraq declaring victory against the extremist group last December, IS continues to launch sporadic attacks, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings in previously liberated areas.

Religious events over the past decades have often been the target of radical groups, including IS and al-Qaeda militants.

Security and instability in the country persist as major concerns for the people of Iraq.

With the formation of the new Iraqi federal government last Thursday, Iraqis hope for better security, stability, basic services, and employment.

Editing by Nadia Riva