Iran condemns terrorist attack in Iraq’s Mosul

Iran has strongly condemned terrorist attack on the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, saying the spread of terrorist moves in Iraq is a flagrant example of the “transnational threat” of terrorism.

“Given the worldwide threat of terrorism, it is necessary for governments and international bodies to stand by the Iraqi government and nation under the current critical situation,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said on Tuesday.

She expressed concern over repeated terrorist attacks on Iraqi cities and rural areas and hoped joint efforts by the country’s army, security forces and people to counter terrorist moves would restore security and peace.

Afkham also expressed Iran’s support for the Iraqi government and nation and said strengthening national unity and convergence among all political groups will play a “very important and effective” role in fighting terrorists.

Al-Qaeda-linked militants captured the entire Iraqi city of Mosul, the capital of the Nineveh Province, after they took control of the governor's headquarters, prisons and television stations.

Mosul is the second Iraqi city to fall to militants this year, after the government lost control of Fallujah in early January.

Takfiri groups, including the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, are reportedly coming to Iraq from neighboring Syria and Saudi Arabia to undermine security in the country.