Iran warns of ‘purposeful’ moves to fuel religious strife

Iran has strongly condemned the killing of three Sunni clerics in Iraq, warning against “purposeful” moves to fan the flames of religious strife among Muslim nations.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said on Sunday that such a crime on the threshold of the birthday anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was a “purposeful” measure with the aim of fueling religious strife among Muslim nations.

She emphasized that Iraq’s enemies and ill-wishers would fail to achieve their objectives thanks to the vigilance of the Iraqi nation and the religious and political elite.

At least three Sunni clerics were killed and one injured in Bab al-Zubeir district near Iraq’s southern city of Basra late Thursday. A fourth cleric was seriously wounded.

This comes as Iraq has been witnessing violence since ISIL Takfiri militants entered the country from Syria and took control over some areas last June.

The militants have been carrying out horrific acts of violence, including public decapitations and crucifixions, against all Syrian and Iraqi communities such as Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and Izadi Kurds.

Iraqi army soldiers, backed by volunteer forces, have been battling the Takfiri terrorists, making gains in different areas.