In an attack near the tomb of former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps general Qasem Soleimani, at least 103 people lost their lives in two consecutive bomb explosions.
The incident occurred during a procession in the city of Kerman, approximately 820 km southeast of Tehran, as Iranians marked the fourth anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination by a targeted US drone strike.
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The first blast struck near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque, followed by a second explosion roughly 1 km away from the military cemetery about 15 minutes later.
Reports suggest that the second blast deliberately targeted those who had managed to escape the initial explosion, including paramedics responding to the scene.
The enemies should know that, with God's permission, perpetrators of this tragedy will be met with a strong response.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) January 3, 2024
While Iranian officials have labelled the incident a “terrorist attack”, the exact cause of the explosions remains unconfirmed, with no terror group publicly claiming responsibility.
About 141 individuals sustained injuries, some in critical condition, according to the IRNA news agency.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stern warning, saying that the perpetrators of the tragedy would face a robust response.
“The evil, criminal enemies of the Iranian nation have once again created a tragedy and martyred a large number of our dear people in Kerman in the fragrant atmosphere of the martyrs’ tombs in Kerman,” he said.
“The Iranian nation is in grief, and many families are mourning the death of their loved ones. The stony-hearted criminals could not tolerate seeing the love and affection of the people for visiting the grave of their great commander, Martyr Qasem Soleimani.
“The enemy should know the soldiers on Soleimani’s bright path won’t tolerate their vileness & crime. The hands stained with the blood of innocent people & the corrupt, evil minds that misdirected them will definitely be the target of a severe pounding & deserving retribution.”
The Iranian nation mourns the loss of many lives, and families grieve the death of their loved ones.
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