Najaf and Karbala Prepare for Massive Funeral Procession of Iran’s Martyred Leader
Security and service units in Iraq have announced that the cities of Najaf Ashraf and Karbala are preparing to hold a multi-million-strong funeral procession for the martyred leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. According to Iraqi officials, the ceremony will be held exclusively in the two provinces of Najaf and Karbala, with no funeral events planned in Baghdad.
Al Jazeera reports that the atmosphere in Najaf Ashraf is markedly different from usual days; black flags have been hoisted atop buildings, security checkpoints have increased, and service vehicles are operating around the clock. Security forces have been redeployed throughout various parts of the city to manage the crowd and ensure safety.
Although Najaf and Karbala annually host millions of pilgrims during the months of Muharram, Safar, Rajab, and Sha’ban, officials describe this funeral as one of the largest crowd management operations in recent years. Preliminary estimates suggest that millions of people will attend the event.
Major General Saad Ma’an, head of Iraq’s security information unit, stated that a flexible plan has been prepared to regulate crowd movement and prevent congestion, with its final stages completed. He noted that limited time has led to the ceremony being confined only to Najaf and Karbala.
Meanwhile, several residents of Najaf have told media outlets about widespread public readiness to participate in the funeral. They emphasized that the funeral of Iran’s martyred leader will receive significant attendance in the holy cities of Iraq.
In Baghdad as well, although no direct ceremonies will be held, the general atmosphere of the city has been described as influenced by this event, with some residents considering it a significant moment in contemporary Iraqi history.
