Iran Condoles with Pakistan over Massacre of Children by Terrorists

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham condemned the Tuesday terrorist attack on Pakistani children in Peshawar, and expressed Tehran's deep condolences to the country's government and the bereaved families of the victims.

Afkham condoled with the Pakistani government and nation on the tragedy and sympathized with the families who lost their beloved ones in the terrorist attack.

Terming the action as non-Islamic and inhuman, Afkham expressed outrage at terrorism, extremism and endangering the lives of innocent people with any goal.

Underlining the need for establishment of peace and stability in the friendly and neighboring country of Pakistan, the Iranian official urged regional countries and the international community to boost collective efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

She called on all tribes and followers of different religions across Pakistan to contribute to safeguarding of peace and security in the country.

On Tuesday, witnesses described how gunmen went from classroom to classroom, shooting children, after a huge blast shook the Army Public School.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack as retaliation for a major military offensive in the region, saying militants had been ordered to shoot older students.

Police said that a bloody Taliban raid on an army-run school in Northwest Pakistan ended with all six attackers dead.

The assault on the school in the city of Peshawar killed at least 130 people, most of them students, according to officials.

"The combat operation is over, the security personnel are carrying out clearance operation and hopefully they will clear the building in a while," Police Official Abdullah Khan said.

"Dead bodies of six terrorists have been found in the building."

Senior Police Official Shafqat Malik confirmed the combat phase of the response was over, while Chief Army Spokesman General Asim Bajwa said on Twitter that the operation was "closing up".

Bajwa said explosive devices planted in school buildings by the militants were slowing clearance efforts.