Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.8
By Temkin Jafarov - Trend:
The creation of such terrorist groups as the 'Islamic State' (IS) is aimed at splitting the Muslim nations, Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak Ayeen said, Iran's embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend on Jan.8.
He made the remarks during the celebration event on the occasion of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ja'far Ibn Muhammad As-Sadiq in Baku on Jan.7.
The event was held with the organizational support of the Cultural Center of Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan.
Pak Ayeen said some western countries have started a "soft war" against Muslims by hindering the activities of prominent figures and scholars of the Muslim world aimed at achieving rapprochement and unification of Muslims.
The diplomat added that by coordinating their activities, Muslim countries can turn into a great force in the international arena.
The 'Islamic State' (IS, formerly ISIL or ISIS,) was created in 2003 in Iraq. Between 2004 and 2006, the organization was led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and consisted of 11 radical Islamist groups, which had close ties to the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda.
Following the start of military confrontation in Syria between the armed opposition and the government forces, the IS penetrated the country in 2013. Strengthening of the IS in Syria allowed it to return to Iraq, deploying military actions against government forces there.
In late June of 2014, the IS announced about the creation of the 'Islamic Caliphate' on the territories under its control in Iraq and Syria. In turn, Iraqi authorities asked the international community for help in fighting the IS.
Edited by SI
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