TEHRAN, Oct. 15 (MNA) – Foreign Ministry spokesperson has condemned a terrorist blast in Baghdad which targeted a procession of Ashura mourners.
Bahram Ghasemi offered condolences to the families of victims and Iraqi government in official FM reaction to the blast. “The suicide attack in northeastern neighborhood of Baghdad killed and injured dozens of Shias, mourners of Ashura; we condemn the event as indication of sectarian hatred which is the foundation of extremism and fratricide,” he told reporters.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will stand with Iraqi government and people to bring the complete extinction of terrorism; unity among all Iraqi ethnic and religious groups will definitely be a bane for hatred, extremism, and sectarian strife,” Ghasemi added.
“At least 31 people were killed and 30 were wounded when a suicide bomber targeted Shia Muslims gathered in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Saturday for which ISIL has claimed responsibility.
“The Shia Muslims were gathered at a busy market in the city's northern district, al-Shaab, to observe Ashura rituals. The day is observed to mourn the killing of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein in the seventh century. People had gathered inside a tent in the market area.”