TEHRAN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iranian police will use new drones to patrol the borders and ensure the security of pilgrims visiting neighboring Iraq for Arbaeen ceremonies, Tasnim news agency reported Tuesday.

Iranian Police Commander Hossein Ashtari said his forces have received 12 drones from the Defense Ministry, which could be employed for border control, detecting illegal entries, combating outlaws and smugglers, and traffic control.

Arbaeen is an annual Shiite Muslim religious observance that occurs 40 days after the Day of Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the third Shiite Imam.

Shiite Muslims from Iran and other regional countries attend the Arbaeen ceremonies held in the Iraqi city of Karbala, where the shrine of Imam Hussain is located.

Arbaeen ceremonies will be held on Oct. 30 this year.