Tehran | WTNS | Jan 04:In a devastating turn of events, two terrorist blasts near the burial site of Iran’s General Qasem Suleiman in Kerman have left at least 103 dead and 188 injured. The explosions occurred during a ceremony marking the fourth martyrdom anniversary of General Suleiman, with the death toll expected to rise.
The first explosion, approximately 700 meters from the grave, was followed by a second one about a kilometre away. Unnamed sources reported that remotely detonated bags loaded with explosives caused the blasts. Iran’s Red Crescent Society confirmed the deaths of three rescuers in the aftermath.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, prompting the Iranian cabinet to declare a national day of mourning on Thursday. Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi assured a swift and crushing response to the perpetrators, highlighting the attacks as part of ongoing plots against civilians during national ceremonies.
Iran’s Judiciary Chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, vowed to hunt down and bring justice to those responsible. He attributed the attacks to terrorists backed by global arrogance, expressing their deep grudge against General Suleiman. The revered commander was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike in 2020, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
This attack, one of the worst in recent years, reflects the persistent threat posed by various terror groups. Iran has previously faced attacks claimed by organizations such as Daesh and Jaish al-Adl. The government has been actively countering plots, including the dismantling of networks linked to Israel’s Mossad, aimed at destabilizing the country.
As investigations into the Kerman attacks unfold, the Iranian authorities remain committed to addressing the security challenges posed by terrorism.
India condemns and expresses solidarity
India has condemned the twin bombings in Iran’s southeastern city of Kerman, where 95 people and over 200 others were injured during a memorial ceremony to honour slain Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
India on Thursday expressed shock over what it called “terrible” twin bombings in Iran’s Kerman city where 95 people were killed during a commemoration for Iranian General Qassem Solemani who was killed in a US drone strike in 2020.
In a tweet, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who took office on Wednesday, said New Delhi expressed its solidarity with the Iranian government and the people of that country.
“We are shocked and saddened by the terrible bombings in the Kerman City of Iran. At this difficult time, we express our solidarity with the government and the people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with the wounded,” Jaiswal wrote on X.
