In a tragic turn of events, two explosions occurred during an event commemorating the fourth anniversary of the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The explosions took place near Soleimani’s gravesite in Kerman, resulting in a devastating toll of at least 103 lives lost and 141 others wounded, according to Iranian state-run media reports on Wednesday.
Mohammad Saberi, the head of Kerman’s emergency services, confirmed the rising casualties, stating that some of the critically injured individuals have succumbed to their injuries. The majority of casualties were attributed to a second explosion that occurred after people had gathered to assist in the aftermath of the initial incident.
Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi disclosed that the first explosion occurred at 3:00 pm local time, with the subsequent blast causing additional harm as people assembled to aid the victims. While the attack has been labeled as “terroristic” by Kerman’s deputy governor, Rahman Jalali, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombings.
The event targeted was meant to honor General Qasem Soleimani, the former head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force, who was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq in January 2020. Soleimani played a significant role in shaping Iran’s regional military activities, becoming a national icon among supporters of the country’s theocracy.
The identity of those responsible for the attack remains unclear, with potential suspects ranging from exile groups and militant organizations to state actors. Iran has a history of supporting groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi rebels in Yemen. Despite speculation, no group has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the devastating explosions in Kerman.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the heightened tensions and ongoing conflicts in the region, with the repercussions of Soleimani’s death continuing to reverberate. As investigations unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for clarity on the perpetrators behind this tragic event.
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