Baghdad, Iraq (BBN)- The top United Nations envoy in Iraq has condemned “in the strongest terms” a series of attacks that killed and injured a number of people during the Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-Azha.
At least 20 people have reportedly been killed today in the attacks, which took place in various parts of the country. Among those targeted were pilgrims practicing their religious duties, either visiting relatives, the graves of dead family members, or shrines during the Eid, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said in a press statement on Saturday.
“This is an atrocious act of violence against innocent worshipers of various faiths,” said Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of UNAMI.
“The targeting of worshipers is an appalling crime,” he added, urging those responsible for the attacks to show respect for Iraqis during the religious holiday.
BBN/SSR/AD-28Oct12-2:46 pm (BST)
