Pakistan, July 8 -- Large crowds gathered in Iraq's holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday as funeral processions were held for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose burial is scheduled to take place on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.

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The ceremonies form part of six days of public mourning announced by Iran following Khamenei's death. Iraqi authorities declared a public holiday to facilitate the commemorative events, while security was significantly strengthened as thousands of mourners assembled along the procession routes.

The coffin arrived at Najaf International Airport on Tuesday night, where it was rece...