RNA - Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi, a source of emulation based in the holy city of Najaf, during his meeting with his representative in the holy city of Kazemeiyn, Shaykh Seyyed Ahmad al-Wa’ez, said: "The Islamic Ummah should get together and stand against plots of the enemies that are aimed at sparking crisis in the region.”
Tensions in Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk rose to alarming levels on Monday as troops sent by Baghdad advanced against Kurdish forces.
Footage has appeared in media showing intense overnight clashes the night before. Reports say Iraqi forces are now in control of a significant portion of the city. Kurds have vowed that Baghdad would pay a “heavy price” for a campaign which is seen to have come in response to the controversial Kurdish independence vote last month.
Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi later added: "Ahl al-Bayt (AS) was a supporter, interpreter and protector of religion in the hearts of believers.”
The Najaf-based scholar said: "The Najaf Seminary, despite all the problems it has faced in its history, has been peacefully and comprehensively organizing its classes and discussions, and it has protected the religion of God and has remained steadfast in Islam."
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