In Iran, several people were killed and up to 20 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire during a military parade in the southwestern city of Ahvaz on Saturday.

State television said the attack targeted a stand where officials were gathered to watch the annual event, marking the start of the country’s 1980-88 war with Iraq.

Iran was holding similar parades in several cities including the capital Tehran and the port of Bandar Abbas on the Gulf. State television blamed “takfiri elements”, a reference to Sunni militants, for the attack.