Iran’s alleged attack on a group of Iranian dissidents in Iraq, the Mujahideen-e Khalq, is drawing international condemnation. The death toll currently stands at 23, though three people are in critical condition with one comatose.
At around 7:40 p.m., local time, Camp Liberty in Baghdad was struck by a massive barrage of rockets. Residents were forced to take shelter in bunkers and numerous trailers were set afire. Evidence points to Iran as some of the recovered rockets were apparently of Iranian origin.
The attacks come even as the United States — which had promised the MEK protection — and Iran try to work out other issues, such as Iran’s nuclear programs, and the conflict in Syria. The attack drew bipartisan condemnation in the United States, with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling on the world to condemn the attacks.
Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona denounced the attack, and lambasted the United States government:
“Yesterday’s senseless and unprovoked attack on Camp Liberty that reportedly killed over 20 residents and injured dozens more is an outrage and represents a betrayal of the civilians the United States committed to protect.”
Secretary of State John Kerry also denounced the attack, calling it unprovoked, and urged the Iraqi government to provide more security. According to Kerry, the State Department will continue to work with governments around the world to resettle the dissidents, but so far resettlement has progressed slowly.
McCain also urged the Iraqi government to step up its protection of the dissidents, and has warned that the most recent attack is part of a larger trend:
“Sadly, this is only the latest attack in a continued campaign against the residents of Camp Liberty. These residents have repeatedly been the victims of daily harassments that decrease quality of life, blocked access to food and medicine, and denial of basic protective equipment. I strongly urge the Iraqi authorities to provide additional security to Camp Liberty and bring those responsible to justice.”
Tomorrow, a memorial service for the victims will be held in Paris. While many of the Iranian dissident members remain trapped in Iraq, many also reside abroad.
