Iran: At least 15 killed, over 40 injured in a 'terrorist attack' at Shiraz shrine

In Iran, at least 15 people were killed and over 40 were wounded in a terrorist attack on a major Shiite holy site in the southern city of Shiraz on Wednesday (October 26), the state-run media reported.

Several women and children were among those who lost their lives, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said. So far, there's no official confirmation.

The state media further mentioned that "three terrorists attacked the Shah Cheragh mausoleum in Shiraz". The agency quoted witnesses as saying that the attackers were in a car and shot at pilgrims and staff at the entrance to the shrine.

Two assailants were arrested and the police were looking for the third.

A media outlet associated with Iran's judiciary said the armed men had entered the shrine at 5:45pm (local time). A local media outlet also reported that the attackers were not Iranian nationals.

So far, no one has taken responsibility but IRNA said the attackers acted as "Takfiri terrorists" — a reference to the hardline, armed Sunni Islamist groups.

The attack happens on the same day when Iranian security forces opened fire at mourners who gathered at Mahsa Amini's Kurdish hometown of Saqez.

Violent protests sparked in Iran and abroad after 22-year-old Amini's death in the custody of morality police. Reports have suggested that she was detained for wearing her headscarf in an "improper" way.

(With inputs from agencies)

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