An Italian Muslim leader on Monday expressed solidarity with the country as it holds a day of mourning to commemorate the six soldiers killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan last week. Abdellah Redouane, secretary general of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy and director of Rome’s Grand Mosque released details of a letter sent to president Giorgio Napolitano.
“The Muslims of Italy feel close to their Italian brothers at this tragic time,” said Abdellah Redouane.
The funeral of the soldiers were due to take place at Rome’s Saint Paul Outside the Walls Church, where Redouane was to attend, representing Rome’s Grand Mosque (photo).
Italian president Giorgio Napolitano as well as prime minister Silvio Berlusconi were expected to attend the state funeral for the soldiers.
“Muslims are feeling the pain and hope that the supreme sacrifice of six soldiers can contribute to peace in Afghanistan,” said the statement.
“In this day of national mourning, I wish to express our most profound grief on behalf of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy as well as the Muslim community, for the tragic loss of six Italian soldiers who were committed to a mission of peace and who were victims of their strong sense of duty, for which every Italian should feel proud of,” concluded the statement.
The suicide attack last Thursday killed six soldiers when a suicide bomber positioned his car between the two armoured vehicles in which the soldiers were travelling. One of the armoured vehicles was completely destroyed in the attack.
All those killed were from Italy’s 186th Lightning Brigade.The blast also killed 10 Afghans and injured four Italian soldiers as well as dozens of Afghan civilians.