Pro-Iranian Iraqi Militia Leaders Attend Hezbollah Leader’s Funeral in Lebanon

On February 23, pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders gathered in Beirut for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. This event showcased Iran’s influence in Iraq, highlighted by significant attendance and speeches from key figures. Prominent militia leaders, including Falih al Fayyadh, Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi, and representatives from Asaib Ahl al Haq, emphasized their allegiance and commitment to the cause despite geographical distances.

On February 23, pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders attended the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the deceased Hezbollah leader, held at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Stadium. The event experienced a significant turnout, praised by Iranian and pro-Iranian media, which noted the stadium’s capacity was filled to capacity and highlighted speeches by Iranian officials. This attendance illustrates Iran’s considerable influence within Iraq.

Prior to the funeral, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) shared a photo of its Chairman, Falih al Fayyadh, and Chief of Staff Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi, also known as Abu Fadak, at Baghdad International Airport heading to Beirut. Mr. Fayyadh had just returned from Tehran to discuss the PMU’s future, showcasing the close ties between these leaders and Iranian interests in the region.

Mohammedawi, who succeeded the late Abu Mahdi al Muhandis as head of Kataib Hezbollah, has been sanctioned by the United States since 2021 for his affiliations with the group, which is a crucial part of the PMU and closely aligned with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. His presence at the funeral signifies the continued coordination among Iranian-backed militia leaders.

Among those who traveled to Beirut was Muhammad Tabatabai, deputy secretary general of Asaib Ahl al Haq (AAH), who was seen in a video at the location where Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Additionally, Jawad al Talibawi, a key AAH spokesperson, accompanied Tabatabai, further cementing the representation of Iraqi militias at the ceremony.

While AAH leader Qais Khazali did not attend the funeral, he expressed his condolences through a statement, which was circulated from Iraq. He praised Nasrallah as a “great man who spent his entire life in the path of jihad and defense of the oppressed,” pledging to continue his efforts against the perceived threats posed by Israel.

Another influential figure, Abu Alaa al Walai from the Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada militia, also issued a statement regarding the funeral but did not attend. Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, representing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Iraq, was present and delivered a statement during the proceedings.

Iranian state media claimed that around 200,000 Iraqi citizens attended the funeral, based on information from pro-Hezbollah sources, indicating a potential exaggeration. Reports also noted supporters from various nations, including Iran, Yemen, and Tunisia, coming to honor Nasrallah’s legacy.

The attendance of various pro-Iranian militia leaders at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral underscores Iran’s significant influence in Iraq and the close ties between Iraqi militias and Iranian interests. Key figures like Falih al Fayyadh and Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi reflect the ongoing collaboration among these groups, while the condolences from leaders like Qais Khazali highlight the shared ideological commitment against perceived adversaries. The high turnout at the event further exemplifies the solidarity among Hezbollah’s allies and supporters within the region.

Original Source: www.longwarjournal.org