Who Is Qassem Soleimani Whose Commemoration Saw Iran's Twin Blast Today?

Early Life, Background

Born on March 11, 1957, in Qom, Iran, Qassem Soleimani hailed from a humble rural family in Kermān, southeastern Iran, facing financial struggles due to loans from the Shahs modernisation efforts.

Entry Into IRGC

Post the Iranian Revolution in 1978-79, Soleimani joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking the beginning of his military career.

Iran-Iraq War

Soleimani actively participated in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), fighting on the front lines and later achieving the rank of brigadier general.

Post-War Achievements

After the war, he led a campaign against drug cartels in southeastern Iran, showcasing his versatility and strategic capabilities.

Rise To Prominence

Appointed as the commander of the Quds Force in March 1998, Soleimani played a pivotal role in expanding Irans influence across the region.

Quds Force's Role

Under Soleimanis leadership, the Quds Force evolved into an elite unit for covert and expeditionary warfare, supporting groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad.

Geopolitical Influence

Exploiting opportunities, especially during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Soleimani established a network of connections, extending Irans influence from Iraq to the northern Levant.

Role In Regional Conflicts

Soleimani played a crucial role in supporting Syrias President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war, strengthening Irans Axis of Resistance.

Fight Against ISIL

Instrumental in the fight against ISIL, Soleimani and the Quds Force collaborated with the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq.

Assassination

Tensions escalated in 2020, leading to Soleimanis assassination at Baghdad International Airport on January 3, in a U.S. drone strike. The event heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, marking the end of a significant chapter in Middle Eastern geopolitics.