Terror acts running counter to true Islam: Iran official

A senior Iranian official has condemned Friday’s terrorist attack near the Iraqi holy city of Karbala, stressing that acts of terror run counter to the spirit of true Islam.

Terrorist acts have no place in any divine religion, said Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani on Friday.

He added that such attacks are orchestrated by terrorists and those affiliated with international Zionism, urging all countries to stand up to such barbaric acts.

At least one person was killed and four other injured when a barrage of mortar shells hit an area on the western side of Karbala on Friday.

The top official further warned that the ISIL Takfiri militants are attempting to tarnish the real image of Islam.

Shamkhani said the peaceful presence of millions of pilgrims in the mourning rituals marking Arba’een in Karbala was a sign of unity among Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Millions of Shia pilgrims from around the world on Saturday are attending the mourning rituals of Arba’een, which marks the 40th day after the anniversary of the martyrdom of the third Shia imam, Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This year’s Arba’een falls on December 13.

The Iranian official also expressed confidence that lasting security would be restored to Iraq and the Takfiri terrorists would be wiped out through national cooperation and unity among Shia and Sunni Muslims.

The ISIL terrorists control some parts of Syria and Iraq.

They are engaged in crimes against humanity in the areas under their control. ISIL militants have terrorized and killed people of all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, and Christians.