Muslim scholars condemn attack on Turkish diplomats

ISTANBUL

A major group of Muslim scholars on Thursday condemned an attack in Erbil, Iraq that martyred a Turkish diplomat.

Such actions as Wednesday’s attack lead to destruction, violence, and more division, said Ali al-Qaradaghi, secretary general of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS).

On Wednesday, a Turkish diplomat who was serving at Turkey's Consulate General in Erbil was martyred in an armed attack at a restaurant.

Speaking to reporters in the capital Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said three attackers were involved in the incident.

Apart from the Turkish diplomats, one Iraqi sitting at the next table was killed, while another was seriously wounded, he added.

Cavusoglu said Turkey was in contact with Baghdad and Erbil regarding the incident, adding that efforts were ongoing to capture the attackers and reveal all details behind the attack.

*Writing by Busra Nur Bilgic