By Haydar Hadi
THI QAR (AA): Daesh on Thursday carried out terrorist attacks in southern Iraq, killing at least 74 people and injuring 87 others, according to health and security sources.
The incident took place when Daesh terrorists fired randomly at a restaurant, located next to the international highway, in near the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah in Thi Qar province, killing scores of civilians. They also shot at buses carrying Iranian pilgrims.
It was noted that 3 Iranian citizens, who were there to visit sacred Shia Muslim places, were among the casualties.
The terrorists then targeted the checkpoint in the province by exploding a bomb-laden vehicle.
The Health Department in the province put the death toll from both attacks at 74.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in southern Iraq that claimed lives of scores of civilians, including five Iranians, injuring many more.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, condemning the attacks.
“We also express our condolences to the fellow peoples of Iraq and Iran,” said the ministry statement.
*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this report from Ankara.
Additional reporting by The Muslim News
[Photo: Security members inspect the scene after an shooting carried by Daesh at a restaurant near Nasiriyah, in Dhi Qar district in Iraq on September 14, 2017. Photographer: Haider el-Esadi/AA]