“The outrageous crime in the holy shrine of Ahmad ibn Musa (peace be upon him), which led to the martyrdom and injury of tens of innocent men, women and children, saddened the hearts,” the Leader wrote in a message on Thursday.
“Perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime will surely be punished,” Ayatollah Khamenei said. “The grief of these dears and desecration of the shrine of Ahl al Bayt will, however, not be compensated unless through tracking these disastrous acts back to where they originate from and through adopting decisive and wise measures against it.”
Fifteen pilgrims lost their lives and at least 40 others were wounded after an armed terrorist opened indiscriminate fire at Shah Cheragh, a highly revered Shia shrine in the southwestern city of Shiraz, Fars Province, on Wednesday.
Two terrorists involved in the assault have been arrested, while a search is underway to nab the third.
Shortly after the attack, the Daesh terror group claimed responsibility.
Ayatollah Khamenei further said everyone has a responsibility in confronting the enemy as well as its “traitor or ignorant” agents.
The Leader called on security agencies, the Judiciary branch, thinkers, activists in the field of propagation, and the entire nation to act in union to confront the current that is disregarding and disrespecting people’s lives, security, and sanctities.
“The dear nation and the institutions in charge will definitely overcome the sinister plot hatched by the enemies, God willing,” said the Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei also condoled with the bereaved families of the martyrs, the people of Shiraz, and the entire Iranian nation, praying for recovery of those wounded.