NAJAF: Mourners Gather for Funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
On Wednesday, a large group of mourners filled the streets of Najaf, Iraq, as they followed the coffin of the late Iranian leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The procession, which has been ongoing for six days, saw thousands of supporters honoring Khamenei in both Iran and now across the border in Iraq.
As the coffin was transported on a truck, people held up large portraits of Khamenei and chanted phrases like “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” The atmosphere was intense, filled with a mix of grief and fervent sentiment.
Flags from both Iraq and Iran waved in the air, accompanied by banners from influential Iranian-backed Iraqi militias whose members joined the tribute.
Najaf is a city of great importance for Shia Muslims around the world, as it is home to the burial site of Imam Ali, a key figure in Islam.
Khamenei’s coffin arrived at Najaf’s international airport on Tuesday evening. The arrival was met with an official reception attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, various senior officials, and religious leaders.
Among those present were Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, all there to pay their respects. The procession is set to continue to the holy city of Karbala before the coffin makes its way back to Iran for burial.
