Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani has called for the immediate identification and punishment of those responsible for the attack on people welcoming pilgrims from the Iraqi city of Kerbela in Afghanistan. This demand was made in a statement released through the Iranian Foreign Ministry's Telegram channel.
"Supporting the counter-terrorism measures taken by the competent authorities [in Afghanistan], Kanani called for immediate action to catch and punish the perpetrators of this crime," the statement read. Kanani also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Afghan government formed by the Taliban (banned in Russia), confirmed that 14 people were killed and six others were injured in the attack.
On September 12, Afghan TV channel TOLOnews reported the deaths of at least 14 people in a mountainous pass near the border of Daikundi and Ghor provinces. According to sources, the attack targeted locals who were on their way to meet pilgrims returning from Kerbela. Aamaj News reported that the Islamic State terrorist group (IS, banned in Russia) claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Iraqi city of Kerbela becomes a focal point for Shiite Muslims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, a significant religious observance marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in 680. This year, Arbaeen took place from August 25 to 26.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: sipo/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS