Iran’s parliament (Majlis) head has condemned the deadly terror attack on Ataturk Airport in the Turkish city of Istanbul, saying global arrogance helps the spread of Takfiri terrorism to undermine peace in the Muslim world.
In a message to Speaker of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly Ismail Kahraman, Ali Larijani offered condolences to the Turkish government and nation as well as the bereaved families of those killed in the terrorist assault.
“Takfiri terrorism poses a threat to the security of Muslim nations,” said Larijani, calling for the establishment of “inclusive mechanisms” at the regional and international levels for an effective fight against the “ominous phenomenon.”
“The growth of Takfiri terrorism in our region is due to the policies of the occupying Zionist regime and domineering world powers, which are meant to consolidate the occupation of Palestinian lands…and weaken the Muslim word,” the top Iranian parliamentarian said.
Late on Tuesday, some 42 people, including an Iranian national, were killed and 239 others wounded when Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport was hit by triple bombings and gun attacks.
Three assailants arrived at the scene in a taxi and opened fire at the terminal entrance. Police then fired back at the attackers, who blew themselves up.
Turkish Health Minister Recep Akdag said earlier that 128 are still hospitalized, including nationals of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Switzerland.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said early signs pointed to the Takfiri Daesh terror group.
An investigation is underway to determine the identity of the attackers.
Iranian Foreign Ministry has censured the fatal terrorist assaults as “inhumane”, calling for a “collective and global determination to fight the ominous phenomena.”
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had earlier condemned the attack and called for global unity in the war against terrorism.
“Terror rears its ugly head yet again in our friend & neighbor’s airport. Extremist violence is a global threat; we must confront it together,” he tweeted early on Wednesday.
The Ankara government declared Wednesday a day of national mourning over the deadly attack.