Iran: Terrorist attack leaves dozen martyred in Shiraz

More than a dozen people have been martyred and several others sustained gunshot wounds after a terrorist opened fire on pilgrims at Shah Cheragh holy shrine in Shiraz in Iran’s province of Fars.

Esmail Mohebbi-Pour, the deputy director of political, security and social affairs at Fars provincial governor’s office, put the death toll at 15. 

While details are still awaited, media has said that at least 27 others were also injured in the attack on the holy shrine.

According to a report by Fars News Agency, a terrorist armed with Kalashnikov rifle at around 5:45 p.m. local time (1415 GMT) opened indiscriminate fire on pilgrims from outside the shrine located in the historic city of Shiraz, the provincial capital of Fars.

Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) also said that 15 people, including two children and a woman, were martyred in the terrorist attack, while nearly 27 others were wounded. Security forces have arrested the attacker.

Nour News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran's top security body, said the terrorist who carried out the attack was a foreign national.

Meanwhile, one of the eyewitnesses of the attack told reporters that loud screams were heard in the women's section of the shrine at the time of Adhan (the call for prayer) and suddenly an armed man was spotted with a Kalashnikov firing indiscriminately in the compound of the shrine. 

After the initial burst of fire, the attacker went near the shrine and fired many rounds at those present at the scene, the eyewitness said.

The governor of Fars province was quoted as saying that the terrorist first targeted the servant and guard of the shrine, and intended to attack the congregational evening prayers, but one of the servants shut the door on him.

He further said the shrine is presently being cleaned by the staff and will be open for morning congregational prayers. 

SS