Iranians stand united against terrorism: Sunni cleric

Akhound Aboubakr Khojmali, Friday Prayer Leader of Negin Shahr located in Golestan Province, in an exclusive interview with Taqrib News Agency (TNA) strongly lamented the senseless and grave act of violence stressing, "Iranian nation stand united against terrorism".

"Grisly terroristic attack to the nations' house and the beating heart of Islamic system, the late Imam Khomeini's mausoleum caused national awe and regret," said the Sunni clerics extending his heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the barbaric attack in Tehran and also to the supreme leader of Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Expressing his sympathy and solidarity with the Iranian nation, Friday Prayer Leader of Negin Shahr prayed for quick recovery of the injured.

Akhound Aboubakr Khojmali placed emphasis on the necessity of unity and solidarity against these malignant incidents noting, "our country needs unity and solidarity more than any other time, and I truly believe that we can stand against terrorism and go through this global devastating disaster."

The Wednesday attacks involved gunmen storming Iran’s Parliament (Majlis) and the Mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, in two coordinated attacks. At least 17 people lost their lives and nearly 50 others were wounded in the assaults, which involved shootings and blasts. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attacks.

All the five assailants involved were subsequently killed by Iranian security forces.
A day after the attacks, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry released the identities of the five assailants, who it said had participated in the terrorist activities of Daesh in the Iraqi city of Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqah in the past.

On Friday, Iranians held a massive funeral ceremony for the victims of the terrorist incidents.

/SR