Iranians across the country on Thursday marked the fifth anniversary of the assassination of top commander Qassem Soleimani, honoring his legacy and the sacrifices he made for the nation.
Soleimani, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, was killed alongside Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. Iran condemned the killing as an act of “state terrorism.”
Commemorative events were held in cities nationwide, including the capital Tehran and Soleimani’s hometown of Kerman, where thousands gathered to pay their respects to the revered commander.
In Tehran, a large gathering took place at Imam Khomeini’s Mosalla prayer hall, attended by senior officials including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Military leaders such as IRGC Chief Hossein Salami and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani were also present, along with members of Soleimani’s family.
Attendees held pictures of Soleimani and Muhandis, as well as other commanders who have been pivotal in the “resistance front.” Large photographs of Soleimani, Muhandis, the late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh adorned the hall.
President Pezeshkian praised Soleimani’s dedication to defending the oppressed and serving the people. “By sacrificing his life, Martyr Soleimani brought disgrace to the oppressors,” he said.
He also addressed efforts by “enemies” to create discord among Muslims. “Our duty is to make maximum efforts to foil such plots, preventing the foes from capitalizing on the differences among Muslims to advance their evil objectives,” Pezeshkian emphasized.
In Kerman, thousands visited Soleimani’s tomb, laying flowers and offering prayers in his memory. The city was filled with banners and posters celebrating his life and commitment to the nation.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the tensions that escalated following the assassination, and the impact Soleimani had on Iran’s role in regional affairs.
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Iran marks 5th anniversary of top commander Soleimani's assassination
cgtn.com
