Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his “deepest condolences” to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after a terrorist attack on an army parade in southwestern Iran left multiple people killed and wounded.
In a message sent to his Iranian counterpart on Saturday, Putin denounced the “bloody crime” and called for an “uncompromising” joint combat against terrorism in all of its forms and “manifestations.”
The Russian leader’s message was few hours after four gunmen, disguised in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and Basij uniforms, opened fire on people from behind a viewing stand at Quds Boulevard in the city of Ahvaz during the parade held to mark the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran in the 1980s.
“Please accept the deepest condolences regarding the tragic consequences of the raid by terrorists in Ahvaz. We are appalled by this bloody crime,” said Putin in his message, a copy of which was posted on the Kremlin website.
“We expect that everyone involved will face a deserved punishment. This event once again reminds us about the necessity of an uncompromising battle against terrorism in all of its manifestations. I would like to confirm our readiness to continue building cooperation with Iranian partners in resisting this evil,” the Russian leader added.
Putin also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved and wished speedy recovery to the wounded.
The Saudi-backed al-Ahvaziya terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Source: Iranian media
