Sayyed’s final farewell: Martyred Hezbollah chief buried in Beirut

A sea of mourners poured into Beirut from every corner of Lebanon and beyond, their hearts heavy with sorrow, their voices united in grief. They came to pay their final respects to the fallen leaders, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s martyred Secretary General, and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, the former head of the group’s Executive Council. The streets of Beirut swelled with an unbreakable spirit of resistance and devotion, as people gather for what will be remembered as one of the most historic funeral processions in world history. Since the early hours of the morning, braving the biting cold, tens of thousands embarked on their journey to the capital. The roads leading to Beirut—Sidon-Beirut and Bekaa-Beirut—were choked with grief-stricken processions, as entire families made their way, many carrying portraits of the martyred leaders close to their hearts. Their banners fluttered in the wind, inscribed with the unforgettable words of Sayyed Nasrallah, his legacy now echoing through the streets of Lebanon. The atmosphere was charged with emotion—women wept softly, children clutch onto their elders, and the elderly, some barely able to walk, press forward with determination. This was more than a funeral; it a tribute to the leaders who gave everything for their cause. Security forces stood vigil, their presence both a protective shield and a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the moment. The Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces deployed thousands to maintain order, ensuring that this momentous event unfolds with the dignity it deserves. The heartbeat of the city pulses in unison with the funeral preparations. Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium was transformed into a gathering point, its screens set up to broadcast the event to the vast sea of mourners who may not make it to the burial site. Every logistical detail has been carefully arranged, for nothing less than perfection could honour the lives of these revered men. The ceremony commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem and Hezbollah’s anthem. Then, the coffins, draped in solemn reverence, were transported through the grieving city. Finally, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, delivered a speech before the final journey began—one that etched itself into the memory of generations to come. This was not just a Lebanese event; the world was watching. Dignitaries, diplomats, and political figures from more than 70 countries confirmed their attendance, a reflection of the profound impact of these leaders on the region. Thousands more arrived from Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, and across the Arab and Muslim world, standing in solidarity, united in mourning. Airports were overwhelmed with incoming flights. Iraqi Airways and Middle East Airlines added extra routes between Baghdad and Beirut to accommodate the tidal wave of travelers arriving to bear witness to history. Security was on the highest alert. With 4,000 troops stationed across the city, 25,000 discipline squad members directing the movement of the mourners, and an additional 4,000 organisers ensuring a seamless ceremony, every measure has been taken to safeguard the sanctity of this day. Four field hospitals stand ready, stationed strategically along the procession route, with over 70 ambulances and medical teams prepared for any emergency. Nasrallah and Safieddine were assassinated in brutal Israeli attacks. On September 27, 2024, Israeli warplanes unleashed 85 tons of explosives, reducing six residential buildings in Dahiyeh to rubble, snuffing out the life of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Days later, on October 3, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine was struck down in another Israeli bombardment. Nothing could deter this moment from arriving. Today, Lebanon stood still. Today, the world bore witness. And today, the martyrs were laid to rest, their names forever etched in the annals of history, their sacrifice never forgotten.