No Iranian Harmed in Damascus Sayeda Zeinab Blast

People stand near a damaged vehicle at the site of a bomb blast, outside the Sayeda Zeinab shrine city south of the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria July 27, 2023.
People stand near a damaged vehicle at the site of a bomb blast, outside the Sayeda Zeinab shrine city south of the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria July 27, 2023.

As the death toll from an explosion outside a Shiite shrine near Damascus reached seven, Islamic Republic officials confirm that no Iranian pilgrim was killed.

A bomb planted in a motorcycle exploded outside the Sayyida Zaynab (Sayeda Zeinab) shrine south of the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday immediately killing six people and wounding several others, one of whom later died.

The Syrian authorities have classified the incident, which took place a day before the holy Day of Ashura, as a "terrorist attack," saying an investigation is currently underway.

The shrine of Sayeda Zeinab, who was the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad holds immense significance for the Shiite community, drawing pilgrims from various parts of the world.

Hamidreza Mohammadi, Deputy Head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, reaffirmed on Friday that Iranian pilgrims remained unharmed during the incident. Nasser Kanaani, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, condemned the attack, referring to it as a "terrorist" act.

Sayyida Zaynab's shrine has been safeguarded throughout the Syrian war by Shia militias, most notably supported by Lebanon's Hezbollah and militia forces, in collaboration with the Syrian army. Iran has cited the protection of holy sites as a rationale for its involvement in the Syrian conflict, aiding in the defense of President Bashar Al-Assad's regime.

Historically, the area around the Sayyida Zaynab shrine has been targeted by the Islamic State group (ISIS), which has claimed responsibility for previous deadly attacks and explosions in the vicinity. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for this act.