Pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders gathered in Lebanon on February 23 for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The event drew considerable attendance, highlighting Iran’s influence in Iraq. Key figures, including PMU leaders, emphasized solidarity with Hezbollah in defending their shared causes. Reports suggested the turnout included many supporters from multiple countries, illustrating a regional alliance against perceived adversaries.
On February 23, pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders, including key figures from the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), gathered in Lebanon for the funeral of the recently deceased Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The event took place at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Stadium, where high attendance was noted, reflecting Iran’s considerable influence in Iraq. Delegations emphasized Nasrallah’s legacy through various speeches delivered by Iranian and pro-Iranian officials.
A photo shared by a Telegram channel associated with the PMU depicted PMU Chairman Falih al Fayyadh and Chief of Staff Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi traveling to Lebanon. This photo was disseminated on social media with Arabic commentary regarding their significant presence at the funeral. Fayyadh made this trip following a visit to Tehran to discuss the PMU’s future, highlighting the strategic ties between Iraq and Iran.
Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi, also known as Abu Fadak, succeeded Kataib Hezbollah’s former leader Abu Mahdi al Muhandis after his death in a US drone strike. Under sanctions from the United States as a Specially Designated National, Mohammedawi continues to oversee this influential militia closely aligned with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Additionally, Muhammad Tabatabai, deputy secretary general of Asaib Ahl al Haq (AAH), was reportedly present in Beirut, alongside prominent AAH member Jawad al Talibawi, who has represented AAH in various commemorative events. A video at the site of Nasrallah’s demise further highlights the involvement of these leaders in the funeral proceedings.
While AAH leader Qais Khazali could not attend the funeral, he released a statement via Iraqi broadcasts, lauding Nasrallah as a paragon of jihad and pledging to continue the struggle against perceived oppression. His declaration, noted by Iranian state media, underscored his past engagements in Lebanon and commitment to supporting Hezbollah.
Abu Alaa al Walai, secretary-general of the Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada militia, issued a statement about the funeral through Hezbollah’s Al Ahed News, though he did not attend the event. Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, representing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, spoke at the funeral, reinforcing Iran’s enduring support for Hezbollah.
According to the Iranian state media outlet IRNA, approximately 200,000 Iraqi citizens attended the funeral, based on reports from Al Ahed News. These figures, sourced from local estimates, suggest a broad participation of Hezbollah supporters not only from Iraq but also from nations like Iran, Yemen, and Tunisia, reflecting the regional solidarity surrounding the event.
The gathering of pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral in Lebanon underscores the deep ties between these militias and Iran, highlighting their collective influence in regional politics. With significant figures attending and expressing solidarity, the event reinforced Iran’s commitment to supporting its allies in Hezbollah against common adversaries. The large turnout further emphasizes the strong connection between Iraqi militia factions and Iranian interests, showcasing a united front in their ideological and geopolitical battles.
Original Source: www.longwarjournal.org
