Iranian Envoy: Iraq Arrests 9 Terrorists behind Massacre of Iranian Gas Experts

Iraqi security forces have arrested all the terrorists behind the last Friday attack on the Iranian gas technicians working in Diyala province, Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Danayeefar announced on Friday.
“Nine terrorists have been arrested and they have confessed to their crime,” Danayeefar said.

On December 13, masked gunmen shot dead 22 people near the village of Balad Ruz, situated 90 kilometers (55 miles) Northeast of Baghdad.

The victims were working on a pipeline projected to carry natural gas from Iran to its Western neighbor, when they came under attack.

After the attack, Iran announced that such acts cannot impede implementation of the project.

Managing Director of Iran’s Gas Engineering and Development Company Alireza Qaribi said that the attack is under investigation, and noted that an Iranian private sector contractor is in charge of building the gas pipeline.

He further added that Iran is resolved to continue implementing the gas pipeline which will carry Iran’s natural gas to Iraq.

The project will connect Iraq’s gas network and Naft Shahr energy reserves in Western Iran.