Millions gather in Najaf and Karbala for Khamenei funeral

Massive crowds gathered in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday, July 8, for funeral ceremonies honoring the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The events marked a dedicated day of mourning in Iraq as part of a six-day series of public funeral ceremonies that began in Iran on Saturday, July 4.

Iraqi authorities declared Wednesday a public holiday to facilitate the arrangements. Under heavy security, the procession in Najaf began at 6:00 a.m. local time. The coffin, draped in the Iranian flag and encased in glass, was transported by truck along a six-kilometer route through streets adorned with banners and portraits of Khamenei. Mourners thronged the path, waving Iranian, Iraqi, and Hezbollah flags. Officials from Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces stated that more than 2.3 million people joined the procession in Najaf, with numbers continuing to grow as people arrived from across the country.

Following funeral prayers at the Shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf, a site sacred to Shia Muslims, the body was transported to Karbala. Reports citing officials there indicated approximately seven million people had gathered for farewell ceremonies at the...