Extremist Groups Aim to Tarnish Image of Muslims: Iranian President
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani condemned a recent terrorist attack on a Shiite mosque in Kuwait City, which killed dozens of people, and said that extremist groups are seeking to portray a violent image of Muslims.
In a letter of condolence to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday, president Rouhani voiced condolences to the Kuwaiti people and government over the deadly terrorist attack.
By committing the crime in 'The House of the Almighty God' (mosque) during the holy month of Ramadan, the Takfiri (extremist) groups are seeking a dirty and anti-Islamic goal, which is defaming Islam, depicting a violent and untrue image of Muslims and sowing discord among them, Rouhani noted in the letter.
He further expressed the hope that through the teachings of Islam and collective efforts, terrorism and violence would be eradicated across the world.
At least 27 people were killed in the suicide attack on Imam Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City during Friday prayers and an additional 222 people were wounded. Kuwait City's governor Thabet al-Muhanna said eight were in a critical condition.
A group affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group, calling itself Najd Province, has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, according to a statement posted on social media.
The attack came on a day of bloodshed worldwide, with at least 37 gunned down at a beach resort in Tunisia and one killed in a chemical plant in France.