Kurdistan Region and Iraq condemn ‘terrorist attack’ in Iran’s Ahvaz

In separate statements issued on Sunday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government of Iraq condemned the recent “terrorist attack” in Iran’s Ahvaz city.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In separate statements issued on Sunday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government of Iraq condemned the recent “terrorist attack” in Iran’s Ahvaz city.

“The KRG condemns the terrorist attack that targeted a military parade in southern Iran’s Ahvaz city yesterday, in which soldiers, civilians, and journalists in attendance were wounded and died,” read the KRG statement, issued late evening.

The Kurdish government also extended its condolences to the families of victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

“We hope the perpetrators of the attack will be found and brought to justice,” the statement concluded.

The shooting took place early morning on Saturday, in the Khuzestan province’s  Iraq-bordering southwestern city of Ahvaz, home to a minority Arab population, and targeted a military parade.

Hours later, both the Islamic State (IS) and the Ahvaz National Resistance, an Arab separatist group from the city, claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 25 people were killed, and about 60 more were wounded in the assault.

In a letter addressed to the President of Iran, Iraqi President Fuad Masum condemned the attack and expressed Iraq’s solidarity with their neighbor.

“We share with you the feelings of sorrow for the loss of the lives of citizens. We strongly condemn this terrorist act. We also affirm the support and solidarity of the Iraqi people with the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran against the criminal terrorist groups, and wish a speedy recovery of the wounded and injured,” Masum’s letter read.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry, in its own statement, also condemned the attack and expressed sympathy to the victims’ families.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Iraq’s firm stance on the rejection of violence regardless of motives, reasons, and in any country, which would tarnish the security and stability of states.”

The last major incident to strike Iran was the June 2017 IS attack, carried out by five jihadists who stormed the Iranian Parliament and targeted the Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing 17 and wounding 43 more.

Editing by Nadia Riva