In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The martyrdom-like loss of valorous Islamic Commander Major General Ahmad Kazemi and a number of other senior IRGC officers in the tragic plane crash deeply affected me and made me mournful.
This brave, faithful and zealous commander was one of the precious mementos of Sacred-Defense era and ranked among those who figured prominently in that unique epical event. His prudence and efficient command resulted in great deeds in the course of the eight-year war, during which he approached the boundaries of martyrdom on many occasions.
The dream to sacrifice his life in the way of Allah always flamed in his heart and, motivated by this desire and aspiration, he was the first to undertake heavy responsibilities. He has now attained his ambition, as he met the Almighty while performing his duties.
I express my condolences over the martyrdom of this prominent, valorous commander and others who lost their lives in this tragic incident to the entire Iranian nation, especially the honorable residents of Najafabad, many of whom attained martyrdom in Sacred Defense era.
I pray to Almighty Allah to grant the bereaved families of these venerated martyrs patience and fortitude and great remuneration for their forbearance. I also pray for the loftiness of position of honorable martyrs in the hereafter.
Sayyid Ali Khamenei
Dai 19, 1384
Leader's Condolatory Message on the Martyrdom of Major General Kazemi and His Colleagues
The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on January 9, 2006 issued a message of condolence on the martyrdom of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force Commander Major General Ahmad Kazemi and a number of his colleagues in the tragic crash of an IRGC airplane. The text of the Leader's message is as follows:...