Najaf: Thousands of Iraqi people have gathered in the holy city of Najaf to attend the funeral procession for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a ceremony marked by broad public participation, the presence of senior political and religious figures, and extensive security arrangements.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, mourners from across Iraq joined pilgrims and officials as the funeral began in Najaf on Wednesday. Following the ceremonies there, the body is scheduled to be transferred to the holy city of Karbala, where Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalai, the representative of Iraq's top religious authority, is expected to lead funeral prayers at the Imam Hussein Shrine.
Under the announced program, the procession will continue from Sayed Jawda intersection along Al-Muhafaza Street toward the shrines of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and Hazrat Abbas in Karbala.
The coffins of the martyred Leader and members of his family arrived Tuesday evening at Najaf International Airport, where they were officially received by Iraqi and Iranian officials.
Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and a delegation of senior Iranian officials had arrived in Najaf to participate in the funeral ceremony.
The official ceremony was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, President Pezeshkian, members of the Iranian delegation, and prominent Iraqi political, religious, and tribal figures. Among those present were Nouri al-Maliki, Hadi al-Amiri, Qais al-Khazali, Ammar al-Hakim, and Mohammed al-Halbousi.
Saad Maan, spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Funeral Ceremonies, said all security and service agencies were coordinating to ensure the safety and orderly conduct of the event. Authorities deployed extensive traffic management measures and provided water, food, medical assistance, and other services for participants.
Heavy traffic was reported on roads leading to Najaf from early Wednesday, with millions of Iraqis and foreign pilgrims traveling to the city for the funeral.