Iran Condemns Killing of Christian Egyptians by ISIL Terrorists
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the recent beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group, describing the move as a “heinous act”.
In a statement on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham expressed condolences to the bereaved families of the victims as well as the Egyptian people and government.
“By provoking sectarian, ethnic and tribal sentiments, the perpetrators behind the heinous act are pursuing sinister goals in line with the interests of the Zionist regime (of Israel) to harm the relations among the followers of divine religions and ties between Muslim countries,” she said in the statement.
The Iranian spokeswoman also underlined the importance of regional countries’ vigilance against plots and conspiracies aimed at the spread of extremism and terrorism in the Middle East region.
The ISIL released a video on Sunday that appeared to show the beheadings of 21 Christian Egyptians kidnapped in Libya.
Speaking on national television hours after the release of the video, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said Cairo would choose the "necessary means and timing to avenge the criminal killings".