Najaf Prepares for Supreme Leader’s Funeral, Expects Millions of Mourners
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the holy city of Najaf in Iraq is actively preparing for the funeral procession of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, with significant security and logistical measures being put in place to manage the expected influx of millions of mourners. Al Jazeera reports that streets leading to Najaf are unusually busy, adorned with black flags, and security checkpoints have been expanded, while service vehicles operate around the clock. Security units are mobilizing to ensure readiness for what is anticipated to be one of the largest crowd management operations ever witnessed, even in cities accustomed to millions of pilgrims during religious observances.
Local residents have expressed profound respect for the Supreme Leader, with Abu Abbas telling Al Jazeera that he “proved to the world, on behalf of the Islamic Ummah, that he is on the path of Ahl al-Bayt, and therefore he is worthy of martyrdom.” He further emphasized that the procession in Iraq enjoys broad support, viewing the Supreme Leader as a prominent Shia Marja’ who stood firm against American and oppressive forces.
Another Iraqi citizen, Taher Mohammed, described the Supreme Leader as the “martyr of the Islamic nation,” stating that he dedicated his life to serving faith and combating tyrants and corrupt elements. He added that the people of Najaf and Karbala would be honored to host his body and that participation in the funeral is a duty for every Muslim.
Abu Karar echoed these sentiments, believing that the Supreme Leader stood resolutely against tyranny, carrying the banner of Imam Hussein and the Shia. He considers the funeral in Iraq an honor for his city and views participation in the farewell ceremony as a religious obligation for many followers.
While Baghdad will not directly host the funeral procession, it is indirectly affected by the event. Many Baghdad residents consider the burial of the martyred leader of Iran in Najaf and Karbala a significant and exceptional milestone in Iraq’s history.
Major General Saad Maan, head of the Security Information Cell, detailed the preparations, stating that initial estimates point to millions participating in the funeral. He affirmed that security and service agencies have finalized flexible plans to manage the crowd and ensure the smooth flow of the procession. He also clarified that the funeral would be confined to the Najaf and Karbala governorates and would not extend to the capital, Baghdad, due to time constraints.
