Funeral of martyred Hezbollah leaders underway

Huge crowds from around the world are converging in Beirut to attend the historic funeral procession for the martyred Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and former head of the Lebanese group’s Executive Council, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine.

Despite the chilly weather since the early morning hours, large numbers of people are making their way to Beirut, causing significant traffic congestion on major roads leading to the capital, particularly the Sidon-Beirut and Bekaa-Beirut roads.

The crowds, comprising women, children, and the elderly, are carrying pictures of the martyrs and holding banners bearing memorable quotes from Nasrallah.

Units from the army and internal security forces have been deployed to guide the surging crowds and maintain order.

The Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar television station reported that multiple screens have been put up at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in the Bir Hassan area of Beirut, and to the site to enable mourners to follow up the event.

All logistical and technical preparations for the funeral ceremony have been completed.

The funeral will begin at 1:00 PM local time, starting with a Quran recitation, followed by the national anthem and Hezbollah’s anthem.

The coffins will be transported in a special vehicle, and the ceremony will conclude with a speech from Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem before the procession makes its way to the burial site.