Iraq: UN envoy strongly condemns attacks during Muslim holiday

The top United Nations envoy in Iraq on Saturday condemned “in the strongest terms” a series of attacks that killed and injured a number of people during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

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 Eid, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said in a news release.

“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.