Pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders attended the funeral of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon on February 23, underscoring Iran’s influence in Iraq. Key figures, including PMU Chairman Falih al Fayyadh, were present, with statements made by various militia leaders reinforcing their commitment to Nasrallah’s ideology and the struggle against Israel. Reports indicated a significant turnout, with thousands of Iraqi citizens traveling to Lebanon for the ceremonies.
On February 23, delegations of pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders arrived in Lebanon to attend the funeral of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The event saw a significant turnout at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Stadium, reported by Iranian state media as being capacity-filled. This attendance reflects the substantial influence Iran wields in Iraq, particularly through the participation of Iraqi militia representatives at the ceremony.
A Telegram channel linked to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) shared images of key PMU figures, such as Chairman Falih al Fayyadh and Chief of Staff Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi, known as Abu Fadak, arriving in Beirut. Their journey commenced from Baghdad International Airport, illustrating the coordinated efforts among Iraqi militias to honor Nasrallah. Fayyadh had recently returned from Tehran and emphasized the importance of the PMU’s future following significant meetings there.
Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi has led Kataib Hezbollah since 2020, succeeding its former head, Abu Mahdi al Muhandis, who was killed in a US drone strike alongside General Qasem Soleimani. Kataib Hezbollah plays a significant role within the PMU and is closely associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mohammedawi has been designated by the US as a Specially Designated National, reflecting concerns regarding his activities.
Among the attendees was Muhammad Tabatabai, deputy secretary general of Asaib Ahl al Haq (AAH), who appeared in a video at the site where Nasrallah was killed. Also accompanying him was Jawad al Talibawi, a senior AAH member and a spokesperson for the group. Talibawi’s historical involvement in investigations regarding security matters in Iraq emphasizes AAH’s ongoing influence in regional affairs.
Although AAH leader Qais Khazali did not attend the funeral, he issued a statement praising Nasrallah as a significant figure in the struggle for justice. Khazali remarked, “We pledge to martyr Nasrallah that we will continue on this path until the land is cleansed of the usurping Zionist regime.” This underscores the commitment of Iraqi militia leaders to the ideological path laid by Nasrallah.
Additionally, Abu Alaa al Walai, head of the Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada militia, also released a statement on the funeral event but did not attend in person. Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Iraq, was present and read a statement from Khamenei during the ceremony, as reported by multiple Arabic news sources.
Iranian state media estimated that approximately 200,000 Iraqi citizens traveled to Lebanon for the funeral, although these figures were likely based on Hezbollah’s projections and can lack independent verification. Other reports noted attendees from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Tunisia, highlighting the broader regional support for Hezbollah amidst this significant event.
The attendance of prominent Iraqi militia leaders at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral signifies Iran’s extensive influence in the region. The gathering featured high-profile figures from organizations such as the PMU and AAH, reflecting their commitment to shared ideological goals alongside Hezbollah. Statements from various militia leaders emphasized their resolve to continue the fight against perceived adversaries. The high turnout demonstrates the unity and solidarity among the pro-Iranian factions across the Middle East.
Original Source: www.longwarjournal.org
