Thousands of mourners marched through Iraq's holy city of Najaf on Wednesday, following the coffin of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as his six-day funeral procession pressed on across the border. Khamenei was killed on February 28 in Israeli and US airstrikes, according to Iranian state media.
Crowds Gather in Najaf
People carrying large portraits of the late leader gathered along the route and chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” as Khamenei’s coffin was driven on a large truck through the streets. Iraqi and Iranian flags fluttered above the crowd, alongside the banners of powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militias whose supporters joined the procession. The event drew huge crowds that had earlier gathered in Iran.
Significance of Najaf
Najaf holds special significance for Shiite Muslims worldwide as the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Khamenei’s coffin arrived on Tuesday evening at Najaf’s international airport, where Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, senior officials, and religious figures attended an official reception. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders also arrived to take part in the procession.
Procession Continues
The funeral cortege is expected to continue to the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala before the coffin is returned to Iran for burial. The six-day funeral has drawn massive crowds in both Iran and Iraq, reflecting the deep influence of the late supreme leader across the region.
