Iraq’s Sadr Condemns Arson Attack on Iranian Consulate
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Prominent Iraqi figure Muqtada al-Sadr deplored an arson attack on the Iranian consulate in Najaf, dismissing reports and allegations that his followers were behind the Wednesday incident.
“We condemn attacks on diplomatic missions because such acts are not characteristic of the Sadr Movement,” Muqtada al-Sadr was quoted as saying by Iraq’s Al-Ahad TV, according to Press TV.
His comments came after a group of masked assailants stormed the Islamic Republic’s diplomatic mission in Najaf and set it ablaze on Wednesday night.
Staff at the Iranian consulate evacuated safely before the attack in the holy city, which was later placed under a curfew, state media reported.
In a statement on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi condemned the attack on the consulate, saying the Iraqi ambassador to Tehran has been officially informed of the Islamic Republic’s strong protest over the issue.
The Iranian spokesman also urged the Baghdad government to deal decisively with those behind the incident, and recalled the responsibility and duties of the Iraqi government to protect diplomatic missions and diplomats.