Pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders gathered in Lebanon on February 23 for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral, evidencing Iran’s influence in Iraq. Major figures attended, including PMU leaders and members from Asaib Ahl al Haq. Statements of support for Nasrallah and the anti-Zionist cause were prominently made. Media reports claimed significant turnout from Iraq and other nations, symbolizing Hezbollah’s regional backing.
On February 23, leaders and delegations from pro-Iranian Iraqi militias converged in Lebanon to pay their respects at the funeral of the late Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The event, attended by a significant number of participants, took place at the Camille Chamoun Stadium in Beirut, where Iranian media emphasized the turnout and highlighted speeches from Iranian officials and supporters of Iran in the region. This attendance reflects the strong influence of Iran in Iraq.
Images shared on a Telegram channel affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) depicted PMU Chairman Falih al Fayyadh and Chief of Staff Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi, known as Abu Fadak, arriving in Beirut via Baghdad International Airport. This visit followed Fayyadh’s return from Tehran, where he participated in crucial discussions regarding the PMU’s future in Iraq. The PMU later confirmed Fayyadh’s presence at the funeral on their official website.
Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi, who became the head of Kataib Hezbollah in 2020 after the death of the group’s founding leader, Abu Mahdi al Muhandis, has close ties to the IRGC. Despite being sanctioned by the United States as a Specially Designated National since 2021, Mohammedawi continues to play a prominent role in the PMU. Additional Iraqi militia figures, such as Muhammad Tabatabai, the deputy secretary-general of Asaib Ahl al Haq (AAH), were also seen attending the ceremony in Beirut.
A video circulating on social media featured Tabatabai at the site where Nasrallah lost his life due to an Israeli airstrike in September. Another AAH leader, Jawad al Talibawi, was present in the video, having been designated a key spokesperson for the group. AAH leader Qais Khazali released a statement in absence, praising Nasrallah’s contributions with a commitment to continue fighting against Israel, stating, “We pledge to martyr Nasrallah that we will continue on this path until the land is cleansed of the usurping Zionist regime.”
In addition, Abu Alaa al Walai, the secretary-general of Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada militia, issued a statement regarding the funeral, although he did not attend in person. Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, the representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Iraq, was also present and spoke at the ceremony, reading a declaration from Khamenei.
Iranian state media reported that approximately 200,000 Iraqi citizens traveled to Lebanon for Nasrallah’s funeral, a claim based on Al Ahed News sources, suggesting a potential overestimation by Hezbollah. Moreover, reports from pro-Hezbollah outlets indicated that supporters had come from various countries, including Iran, Yemen, and Tunisia, showcasing the diverse backing of Hezbollah.
The widespread attendance of Iraqi militia leaders at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral underscores Iran’s significant influence over militia dynamics in Iraq. Prominent figures from various militias articulated their support for Hezbollah while reaffirming their anti-Zionist sentiments. This event not only highlighted the solidarity among Iran-aligned groups but also illustrated the regional implications of Iran’s support network.
Original Source: www.longwarjournal.org
