Iran begins “Punishment” of Syria-based Groups it Blames for Parade Attack

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched at least a half-dozen ballistic missiles aimed at groups in Syria it blames for the lethal attack on a parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz on September 22 that killed 30, half of whom were members of the Guard, and wounded 60. Although the retaliatory missile strike was aimed at ISIS affiliates and a separatist group, the Islamic Republic’s leaders pin the ultimate blame on the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia as was made clear by the clear messages to those three nations — “Death to America; Israel and Al Saud” — inscribed on the missiles shown on Iranian state television before they were launched into eastern Syria. Other threats to carry out additional retaliation were broadcast by state media and repeated over social media platforms. It is unclear what happened on the receiving end of the strike since the Syrians have so failed to acknowledge the incident or note casualties.