Iranian cultural center in Quito attacked by gang waving U.S. and Israeli flags

A gang of 10 to 15 men attacked the Iranian Cultural Center in Quito Saturday night, injuring one man and causing several hundreds of dollar of damage. The attack came during evening prayers two days after the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, killing Ayatollah Khamenei, the country’s leader.

The attackers of an Iranian worship service in Quito left behind U.S. and Israeli flags.

According to Quito Police Major Byron Flores, the gang entered the center at 6:45 p.m. shouting insults at worshipers and waving Israeli and U.S flags. An Iranian flag was burned outside the front door.

“The men attacked some of those inside the building, broke furniture and smashed windows,” Flores said. “Several of those attending the prayer service were physically assaulted, one of them requiring treatment by paramedics.”

According to Flores, some of the worshipers fought back against the gang, limiting the amount of damage to the center and forcing them to leave. He added that the attackers threw a canister of tear gas as well as rocks and bottles inside the center.

Quito university professor Dax Toscano, who was present during the attack, described a scene of fear and chaos. “They entered with sticks, threw gas cans, insulted us, and threatened to kill people,” he said. “My glasses were broken, and I received a blow to the head. There were children reciting verses from the Quran, families celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, but these men attacked without mercy.”

The attackers had left the building when police arrived, but Flores said that some identifications may be possible from video recorded at the scene.

According to a spokesman for the center, women and children were present for prayers when the attack occurred. He said about 25 people were in the center during the attack celebrating Ramadan.