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Tuesday, 20 December 2022 6:14 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 20 December 2022 6:14 PM ]

"US complicit in terror attack"

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Leader says the United States was behind the deadly October attack on a holy shrine in southern Iran. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khameni says the US is an accomplice to the crime as Washington was the main sponsor and creator of Daesh terrorist group, which claimed the attack. The leader made the comments during a meeting with the families of the victims. He said killing pilgrims is quite different from other acts of terror and brings further disgrace on the enemy. Ayatollah Khamenei described those behind this terrorist act as liars and hypocrites. He said they claim to be advocates of human rights, but, in practice, they create dangerous terrorist groups. The terrorist attack on Shah Cheragh shrine in the city of Shiraz left 13 pilgrims dead, including a young boy.

West Asia security

Iran’s foreign minister has called on regional countries to jointly deal with challenges facing West Asia. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian reiterated Iran’s commitment to improving stability and security of the region with the help of other neighbors. He stressed that the dialogue between nations is a critical component to achieve such process. The top diplomat also advocated for a West Asia free of nuclear weapons. He also expressed Iran’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Amir-Abdollahian was addressing the second edition of the Baghdad Conference for the Cooperation and Partnership in Jordan. The summit aims to provide support for stability, security and prosperity of Iraq and the region as a whole.

Pakistan hostage-taking

Pakistan’s security forces have retaken a police station seized by militants in the country’s northwest. Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said all 33 militants involved in hostage-taking were killed in clashes with Special Forces. He said all the hostages, including eight police officers were freed, but two officers were killed during the operation. On Sunday, the hostage takers, who were suspected of being members of various militant groups overpowered their jailors and snatched weapons. They demanded a safe passage to neighboring Afghanistan in return for releasing the hostages. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan which bears allegiance to the Taliban in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility. The group operating along border areas has stepped up attacks since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year.

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