Amid escalating tensions and concerns over security, the holy Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz, Iran, has been struck by a second deadly “terrorist” attack in less than a year. Gunmen infiltrated the revered shrine, opening fire and prompting authorities to once again grapple with the aftermath of a targeted assault. The attack has raised questions about the nation’s ability to safeguard its religious sites and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Details surrounding the recent attack are still emerging, but preliminary information from officials and state-associated media indicates that two assailants breached the Shah Cheragh shrine’s premises through the southern entrance. At approximately 7 p.m. local time (15:30 GMT) on Sunday, the gunmen began firing at security personnel and worshippers within the shrine complex. The outcome was tragic, resulting in at least one fatality and several individuals sustaining injuries.
Yadollah Bouali, the provincial commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that one of the gunmen was swiftly apprehended at the scene. Authorities found him in possession of an assault rifle along with eight magazines filled with ammunition. However, the second gunman managed to escape, adding an air of urgency to the ongoing investigation.
Disturbing videos circulating online showcase scenes of chaos and panic outside the shrine as people fled to safety. Images have also surfaced, revealing bullet holes in walls and scenes of bloodshed. The Shah Cheragh shrine, located in the Fars province, holds immense religious significance in Shia Islam and stands as a cherished pilgrimage site for devotees.
Tragically, this is not the first time the shrine has been targeted. On October 26, 2022, the Shah Cheragh shrine was struck by a similar attack. During that incident, a lone gunman entered the shrine premises and unleashed gunfire on a group of pilgrims and shrine staff. The attack left 13 people dead and around 40 others injured before the assailant was neutralized by security forces.
Responsibility for the earlier attack was claimed by the armed group ISIL (ISIS), which released a video through its Amaq website. This is not the first time that ISIL has been linked to high-profile attacks in Iran, including the coordinated 2017 assaults on the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran.
In response to the previous attack, Iranian authorities took significant measures. Two individuals alleged to have been in contact with ISIL operatives were executed. These contacts reportedly facilitated the attacker’s access to the rifle and aided his transport to the site of the shooting. Furthermore, three more individuals were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from five to 25 years for their affiliation with the armed group.
The recurrent attacks on the Shah Cheragh shrine underscore the vulnerability of religious sites in Iran and highlight the ongoing challenges the nation faces in maintaining security and stability. The incidents also resonate against a backdrop of domestic turmoil. Last year, Iran experienced widespread protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested for allegedly violating the country’s mandatory dress code for women. The unrest was believed by authorities to have created an environment conducive to the previous attack on the shrine.
As Iran grapples with these security challenges, questions about its capacity to safeguard its citizens and protect its sacred sites remain pressing. The recent attack emphasizes the urgency of addressing these concerns and reinforces the need for robust security measures to prevent further tragedies.
