Imam Khamenei: Perpetrators of Shiraz terror attack will surely be punished

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, has offered condolences to the Iranian nation over the deadly terrorist attack at a holy shrine in Shiraz, saying the perpetrators of the “outrageous” crime will face punishment.

“The outrageous crime in the holy shrine of Ahmad ibn Musa (peace be upon him), which led to the martyrdom and injury of tens of innocent men, women and children, saddened the hearts,” Imam Khamenei wrote in a message on Thursday.

“Perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime will surely be punished,” Ayatollah Khamenei said. “The grief of these dears and desecration of the shrine of Ahl al Bayt will not be compensated unless through pursuing the roots of [instances of] causing catastrophes and through adopting decisive and wise measures against it.”

Fifteen pilgrims lost their lives and at least 40 others were wounded after an armed terrorist opened indiscriminate fire at Shah Cheragh, a highly revered Shia shrine in the southwestern city of Shiraz, Fars Province, on Wednesday.

Two terrorists involved in the assault have been arrested, while a search is underway to nab the third.

Shortly after the attack, the Daesh terror group claimed responsibility.

Ayatollah Khamenei said everyone has “responsibilities for confronting” the enemy as well as its “traitor or ignorant” agents.

The Leader called on security agencies, the Judiciary branch, and activists in the field of thought and propagation, and the entire nation to act in union in the face of the current that is ignoring and disrespecting people’s lives, security, and sanctities.

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