A+ A-

UN envoy to Iraq strongly condemns IS attacks in Nasiriyah

BAGHDAD, Sept 14 (KUNA) -- The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq Jan Kubis denounced "in the strongest terms the cowardly twin attacks" in Nasiriyah city, Dhi-Qar Governorate, south Iraqi on Thursday.
The attacks, carried out by the so-called Islamic State (IS or Daesh) on a restaurant and a security checkpoint in the city, resulted in scores of casualties.
The SRSG extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery, according to a press release by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
"These barbaric acts of terrorism against innocent civilians, many of them pilgrims, confirm yet again the terrorists' total disregard for life and their despair and cowardice in the face of the victories of the Iraqi security forces which seized most of their strongholds across the country," Kubis said.
The UNAMI is deeply saddened by these atrocious attacks, but this will not weaken the country's resolve in fighting terrorism, he said.
The UN envoy called on Iraqis to set aside their differences and unite in working together to eliminate the terrorist Daesh, which remains a threat despite suffering defeats on the battlefield. "The determination and resilience of Iraq to press ahead in its quest to rid its land of the terrorist Daesh will prevail," the SRSG added.
Earlier today, Iraqi authorities said the attacks claimed more than 50 lives and injured 87 others; the civilian casualties include many pilgrims. (end) ahh.gb