Iraqi militia leaders attended the funeral of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, emphasizing Iran’s influence in Iraq. Prominent figures including PMU Chairman Falih al Fayyadh and AAH leaders participated, alongside a reported 200,000 attendees from Iraq. Statements from leaders reflected continued support for Hezbollah and a commitment to resistance against Israel.
On February 23, delegations of pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders gathered in Lebanon to attend the funeral of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which took place at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Stadium. This event drew significant crowds, with Iranian state media highlighting the large turnout and the speeches given by Iranian officials and other pro-Iranian figures, underscoring Iran’s pervasive influence in Iraq.
On the morning of the funeral, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) shared a photograph of Chairman Falih al Fayyadh and Chief of Staff Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi, known as Abu Fadak, as they traveled from Baghdad International Airport to Beirut. The PMU later confirmed Fayyadh’s attendance at the funeral on their official website. This visit followed Fayyadh’s recent trip to Tehran for discussions regarding the PMU’s future.
Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi assumed leadership of Kataib Hezbollah in 2020 after the assassination of Abu Mahdi al Muhandis, a founding member killed alongside Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent militia within the PMU, maintains close ties with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mohammedawi is currently under U.S. sanctions due to his affiliations.
Additionally, Muhammad Tabatabai, the deputy secretary general of Asaib Ahl al Haq (AAH), and other militia members were reported to have attended the funeral. A video showcased Tabatabai at the site of Nasrallah’s assassination by an Israeli airstrike. Another AAH figure, Jawad al Talibawi, known for his significant role within the organization, was also present.
While AAH leader Khazali did not attend the event, he released a statement recognizing Nasrallah’s contributions, asserting, “Nasrallah was a great man who spent his entire life in the path of jihad and defense of the oppressed.” This statement was disseminated by the Iranian state news agency, reflecting Khazali’s steadfast support for Hezbollah.
Abu Alaa al Walai, the secretary-general of the Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada militia, issued a statement regarding the funeral as well, although he did not appear in person. Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, the representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Iraq, attended and spoke at the funeral, conveying messages from Khamenei to the attendees.
Iranian state media indicated that around 200,000 Iraqi citizens traveled to Lebanon for the funeral of Nasrallah and his successor. This estimate, reported by IRNA based on statements from pro-Hezbollah sources, reflects the increasing regional solidarity among groups supported by Iran, which include participants from various countries, including Yemen and Tunisia.
The funeral of Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon demonstrated the extensive influence of Iran over Iraqi militia groups, evidenced by the participation of key figures from the PMU and AAH. The event highlighted the continued alignment between Iranian-backed factions across the region, reinforcing their commitment to shared objectives. The substantial turnout also attests to the solidarity among pro-Iranian entities in light of regional challenges.
Original Source: www.longwarjournal.org
