Iranian president: Foreign backers of terrorists responsible for 'criminal' drone strike in Syria

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says foreign backers of terrorist groups, including the occupiers, are responsible for a "criminal" drone attack on a military academy in Syria's western city of Homs that has killed scores of Syrians. 

"Undoubtedly, the responsibility for this tragic incident lies with the foreign supporters of terrorist groups, including the occupiers of the Syrian lands, who prevent… the effective fight against terrorism," Raeisi said.

"Responsible international bodies, especially the United Nations Security Council, are expected to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard," he added.

Thursday's aerial assault came just after the end of a graduation ceremony for officers and wounded both military personnel and their families.

The Syrian health ministry said on Friday that the death toll has risen to 89, including 31 women and five children, adding that 277 people were injured in the attack.

Syria holds funeral for drone attack victims as condemnation pours in

Syria has held the first funerals for scores of victims of a drone attack that hit a military academy in the Western city of Homs.

In a message to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad on Friday, Raeisi offered his condolences to the president, government, army and the nation of the friendly country of Syria over the terrorist incident.

"This criminal move showed that those who oppose security, stability and development in the region still continue with their terrorist and brutal approach," the Iranian president said.

He added that such terrorist and savage behavior has suffered the oppressed Syrian nation over the past years.

He added that the continuation of terrorist attacks in Syria in recent months was the outcome of "intelligence, security and logistical support" for terrorists with the aim of preventing the establishment of stability and full security in the Arab country.

Efforts to help Daesh and Takfiri terrorists survive and carry out their acts in Syria are complementary to the Israeli regime's aggression against the national sovereignty of Syria, he said.

Raeisi emphasized that international bodies, particularly the United Nations Security Council, are expected to fulfill their responsibility in dealing with such acts of terrorism.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Syrian army on Thursday blamed foreign-backed "terrorist groups" for the attack that was carried out by "explosive-laden drones", and vowed to "respond with full force."

The Syrian government has declared three days of mourning starting from Friday.

Firm determination of international community necessary for terror fight: Iran parliament speaker

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also extended his condolences to his Syrian counterpart over the terrorist attack that killed tens of people, including both military and civilians.

In a message to the Speaker of the Syrian People's Assembly, Hammouda Sabbagh on Friday, Qalibaf said such "inhuman" measures further highlighted the significance of the firm determination of the international community and cooperation among the regional countries in order to fight the sinister phenomenon of terrorism in a "decisive and responsible" way.

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