Qaani: Martyred Leader’s funeral in Iraq to strengthen Iran-Iraq unity against US sedition

The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force says the funeral procession for the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Iraq will further strengthen the intertwined solidarity of Iranians and Iraqis against American sedition and reinforce the commitment to seeking justice for fallen resistance figures.

Brigadier General Esmail Qaani made the remarks in a message released on Tuesday, one day ahead of the funeral of the martyed Leader in Iraq's Najaf and Karbala. 

He noted that the unprecedented funeral procession for the martyred Leader would deepen the unity between the Iranian and Iraqi nations and serve as a powerful symbol of their shared resolve.

The Quds commander went on to say that the Iraqi government's decision and the Iraqi people's widespread preparations to host the historic funeral reflected the profound spiritual bond between the two neighboring nations.

He also stated that the late leader's support for the Iraqi people, together with the role of Iraq's religious authorities, had paved the way for the fight against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group alongside Iraqi volunteer forces.

Qaani also referred to the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a US strike near the Baghdad airport in 2020, saying the two commanders had become shared symbols of sacrifice for both nations.

"The unparalleled funeral of our martyred Imam in Iraq, like the magnificent funeral processions of Martyrs Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, will strengthen the clenched fists of the two nations against American conspiracies and further reinforce the pursuit of justice," Qaani said.

Separately on Tuesday, Nassif Jassim al-Khattabi, governor of Karbala and chairman of the province's higher security committee, announced that Iraqi authorities had completed extensive security and logistical preparations for the funeral ceremonies in Karbala.

Iraq to hold 3-stage funeral for martyred Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in Najaf, Karbala

Iraqi authorities have finalized preparations for a three-stage funeral for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Najaf and Karbala.

Speaking to Iraqi media, Khattabi described the event as one of great national significance for both the Iraqi government and people, saying numerous coordination meetings had been held with federal military commanders, the prime minister's office, and service agencies to ensure the smooth organization of the ceremonies.

He said mourners and delegations would begin arriving in Karbala on Wednesday, confirming that comprehensive security, transportation, and public service plans had been finalized in coordination with the holy shrines.

According to the governor, the funeral will be held in three stages, beginning with an official state ceremony on Tuesday evening, followed by a funeral procession in Najaf on Wednesday before concluding later that afternoon in Karbala.

Khattabi predicted a massive turnout, saying mourners from across Iraq were expected to travel to Karbala for the ceremony.

He added that Wednesday had been declared an official holiday in the province to facilitate the event and ensure the effective implementation of security and public service measures.

Earlier, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, the spokesman for the special media committee organizing the ceremonies, said the procession route in Najaf would extend approximately six kilometers from Al-Sadrain Overpass to the Shrine of Imam Ali, while the route in Karbala would cover 5.8 kilometers.

He said extensive welfare and health measures have been put in place, including the deployment of 351 service tents in Najaf, more than 400 in Karbala, and 150 ambulances along the funeral routes to provide medical support for the participants.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was assassinated, alongside some of his family members, on February 28, the first day of the 40-day illegal war of aggression waged by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran.

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