Iran Raps Terror Attack in Herat, Vows Support for Afghan People in Fight against Terrorism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry denounced a terrorist attack at a mosque in Afghanistan’s western city of Herat, stressing the Islamic Republic’s support for Afghan people in their fight against extremism and terrorism.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned Friday’s terrorist attack against worshippers at Gazargah Mosque in Herat.
The spokesman expressed concern over continued terror attacks in Afghanistan and stressed that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will stand by Afghanistan and its oppressed people in their fight against the heinous phenomenon of extremism, violence and terrorism.
Kanaani further offered condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attack and wished quick recovery for those injured, according to the Foreign Ministry’s website.
The toll from the blast outside the mosque I Herat has risen to 18 dead and 23 injured, spokesman for the Taliban interior ministry Abdul Nafi Takor said.
The victims of the blast in Herat city included high-profile pro-Taliban cleric Mujib Rahman Ansari who was approaching the mosque for Friday prayers.
There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack.
According to Herat’s police spokesperson Mahmood Rasoli, “Ansari, with some of his guards and civilians, have been killed on their way toward the mosque.”
Expressing “strong condolences” over Ansari’s death, the Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said the perpetrators were the “enemies of religion” and would be punished by the Taliban administration.