On Thursday, Iranians across the country marked the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led drone strike that killed top commander Qassem Soleimani. The assassination of Soleimani, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on January 3, 2020, has continued to resonate deeply within Iran.
Iran condemned the operation as an act of \"state terrorism\" and has since memorialized Soleimani as a key figure in the nation's resistance efforts. Nationwide commemorations were held in major cities, including Tehran and Kerman, Soleimani's hometown, honoring him and other \"martyrs of the resistance front.\"
In Tehran, a large gathering took place at Imam Khomeini's Mosalla prayer hall, attended by senior officials such as President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Military leaders, including IRGC Chief Hossein Salami and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani, were also present, along with Soleimani's family members.
Attendees displayed pictures of Soleimani and Muhandis, alongside other fallen commanders from regional groups. Prominent figures like Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh were also featured in the commemoration.
President Pezeshkian highlighted Soleimani's dedication to defending the oppressed and serving the people. \"By sacrificing his life, martyr Soleimani brought disgrace to the oppressors,\" he stated.
Pezeshkian also addressed the ongoing efforts by \"enemies\" to sow discord among Muslims, emphasizing the need to thwart such attempts and unite against common adversaries.
Meanwhile, in Kerman, thousands of people visited Soleimani's tomb to pay their respects, reflecting the widespread impact of his legacy across the nation.
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Iran marks 5th anniversary of top commander Soleimani's assassination
cgtn.com
