On Thursday, Iranians across the country came together to mark the fifth anniversary of the assassination of their top commander, Qassem Soleimani. ✨
Soleimani, who led the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, along with Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. Iran condemned the strike as an act of \"state terrorism.\"
From the bustling streets of Tehran to Soleimani's hometown of Kerman, people honored the memory of the \"martyrs of the resistance front.\" 🙏
In Tehran, a massive gathering filled the Imam Khomeini Mosalla prayer hall. High-ranking officials like President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf were in attendance. Military leaders, including IRGC Chief Hossein Salami and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani, joined Soleimani's family to pay their respects. 🎖️
Attendees held portraits of Soleimani and Muhandis, along with other fallen leaders from regional groups. The hall was adorned with large images of Soleimani, Muhandis, the late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. 📸
President Pezeshkian praised Soleimani, saying he dedicated his life to defending the oppressed and serving the people. \"By sacrificing his life, martyr Soleimani brought disgrace to the oppressors,\" he remarked.
He also spoke about efforts by \"enemies\" to create division among Muslims. \"Our duty is to make maximum efforts to foil such plots, preventing foes from capitalizing on differences among Muslims to advance their evil objectives,\" Pezeshkian emphasized.
In Kerman, thousands visited Soleimani's tomb, paying tribute to a leader who remains a symbol of resistance and unity in Iran. 🌹
Reference(s):
Iran marks 5th anniversary of top commander Soleimani's assassination
cgtn.com
