ISIL threatens world peace and security: cleric

TEHRAN,July 5(MNA) -- Tehran Friday Prayer leader Ayatollah Ali Movahedi-Kermani said that ISIL is emerging as a threat to international peace, security, and all the religions. Addressing worshipers, he said the Zionists and hegemons are trying to create a commotion against Islam in order to say that Islam is the cause of bloodshed in Iraq. But they should know that violent moves in Iraq pose threats against international peace, security and all the religions, he stated. However, the cleric said “this terrorist group cannot do a damn thing due to the Islamic culture of Jihad and resistance.” Elsewhere in his remarks, he said that the ISIL terrorist group has been formed to divert the world’s attention from the crimes being committed by the Zionists in Palestine. Iraqi government forces are fighting with ISIL militants who have captured several areas in northern and western Iraq in an all-out offensive which began over three weeks ago. Iraqi forces have been able to retake some areas through carrying out special operations over the past few days.