TEHRAN – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) vowed on Wednesday to avenge the assassination of a prominent Sunni cleric in the southeastern city of Zahedan, singling out “mercenary terrorists” backed by the U.S. and Israel behind the terrorist act.

Mowlavi Yousuf Gorgij, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of the Muhammad Rasulollah mosque in Zahedan, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his home on Monday evening.

In a message, IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Ahmad Vahidi said: “The dastardly assassination of the great scholar and insightful mujahid, Mowlavi Yousuf Gorgij, by mercenary terrorists is clear proof of America’s and the Zionist regime’s desperation and evident proof of their defeat by the zealous people of Sistan and Baluchestan.”

Vahidi offered condolences and congratulations to the people of the region, adding: “This oppressed martyrdom made his path more followed, and we pledge to him that we will not put down his flag and we will take revenge for him.”

In a separate statement, the IRGC said the assassination “once again displayed America’s and the Zionist regime’s inability to confront the Iranian nation, especially the faithful and loyal people of Sistan and Baluchestan.”

It said Gorgij “spent his precious life in the service of God’s religion, guiding the people, strengthening unity and brotherhood between Shia and Sunni, and social cohesion in Sistan and Baluchestan province.”

The IRGC added: “The enemies of Islam and the revolution, who were furious over the lofty status, authority and unparalleled popularity of this pious scholar among the proud and zealous people of Sistan and Baluchestan and were powerless against his influential social role, with this brutal crime once again revealed their savage and vengeful nature against true servants of Islam and beloved Iran.”

“The pure blood of this exalted martyr will not only not extinguish the light of unity and resistance in this martyr-nurturing and mujahid-raising region, but will make the flames of faith, unity and steadfastness burn brighter in the hearts of the

oppressed and mujahid people of Sistan and Baluchestan,” the statement said.
The IRGC warned that “the Iranian nation, especially the heroic people of Sistan and Baluchestan, will never allow the sinister plots of arrogance to disrupt the national and religious unity and cohesion of Iranians, and revenge for this savage and dastardly crime is definite and certain.”
The statement offered condolences to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Sunni and Shia clerics, the martyr’s family and the people of Sistan and Baluchestan.
Gorgij had always worked to confront divisive elements and Zionism before being assassinated at his home.