The attack was allegedly perpetrated by one terrorist, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), contradicting previous media reports that a second gunman was involved and that a manhunt had started to find that shooter.
It was also initially reported by Iranian media, who cited Fars province Governor Mohammad-Hadi Imanieh, that four people had died from the attack and five more were injured, but it was later reported by another news agency that his deputy confirmed that one was killed and eight had been injured. Meanwhile the IRGC says that the gunman shot only four people, and killed one. It is unknown if that contradicts previous reports or if there were injuries ancillary factors like people being injured while fleeing the scene.
Iranian media first reported that the alleged gunman was apprehended by Iranian authorities while a manhunt has commenced for the supposed second terrorist. It was also previously reported that the authorities killed one of the two gunman, but that report has also since been contradicted.
Access to the mosque has been restricted and the territory adjacent to the shrine has been locked down by security forces.
Meanwhile, a state-backed news agency reported that the two suspects are foreign nationals. The Daesh* terrorist organization has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Today’s attack was the second act of terrorism perpetrated at Shah Cheragh.
Back in October 2022, a group of gunmen opened fire inside the mosque, killing 13 and injuring another 45.
*Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist group banned in Russia