Iran Sympathizes with Niger after Mosque Attack
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Foreign Ministry of Iran censured a terrorist attack on a mosque in Niger that has killed at least 44 people, expressing sympathy with the families of victims.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei strongly condemned the terrorist act and stressed the need for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
At least 44 people were killed and 13 injured in the assault in the village of Fonbita in the rural commune of Kokorou that happened when militants identified as members of the Daesh in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) stormed the mosque, targeting worshippers on Friday.
The victims were killed in a “savage” armed assault, the interior ministry said in a statement broadcast on state television on Friday.
Baqaei said on Saturday that the terrorist act, which was carried out in a holy place and during the Friday prayers, was against the principles of Islam and contrary to all international legal and human rights norms.
The Iranian spokesperson affirmed the Islamic Republic’s principled stance on condemnation of all forms of terrorism and violent extremism.
He stressed the importance of further improving cooperation and coordination at various regional and international levels to prevent and combat terrorism.
It is necessary to prosecute and punish the perpetrators and instigators of terrorist attacks, he said.
Baqaei expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and the government and the nation of Niger over the terrorist attack.
