On the solemn anniversary of the 2020 assassination of Iran's top commander, Qassem Soleimani, twin explosions killed at least 103 people and wounded dozens near a cemetery in Iran, state media reported on Wednesday.
The explosions, labeled a "terrorist attack" by state television, occurred near the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque as supporters gathered to commemorate Soleimani's death.
Kerman's deputy governor confirmed the nature of the explosions, stating that it was a "terrorist attack," while state media reported more than 200 people wounded. Tasnim news agency, citing informed sources, reported that "two bags carrying bombs went off," suggesting a coordinated attack.
The agency added, "The perpetrators... of this incident apparently detonated the bombs by remote control."
First scenes from #Iran 🇮🇷 following mysterious explosions near Qassem #Soleimani's grave#Death TOLL INCREASES TO 103 KILLED 141 INJURED pic.twitter.com/rN6nf11E5f
— WarMonitoreu (@WarMonitoreu) January 3, 2024
Kerman mayor Saeed Tabrizi, as quoted by ISNA news agency, revealed that the bombs exploded 10 minutes apart. Disturbing online footage depicted crowds scrambling to flee as security personnel cordoned off the area.
State television images showed ambulances and rescue personnel responding to the scene.
Qassem Soleimani, the former head of the Quds Force, Iran's foreign operations arm, was assassinated in a US drone strike near Baghdad airport in 2020. Declared a "living martyr" by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Soleimani was revered for his role in defeating the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Iranians mourned his death, demonstrating a show of national unity during the days leading up to his funeral in Kerman.
The latest explosions in Soleimani's hometown mark a tragic continuation of events linked to his legacy, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. Investigations are underway to determine the culprits behind the attack and their motives.
Perpetrators of ‘heinous act’ will be punished: Raisi
On the other hand, Iran’s President Raisi has issued a written statement following the deadly blasts in Kerman.
“Undoubtedly, the perpetrators … of this cowardly act will soon be identified and punished for their heinous act by the capable security and law enforcement forces,” Raisi stated.
“The enemies of the nation should know that such actions can never disrupt the solid determination of the Iranian nation.”
Iran declares day of mourning on Thursday: State TV
On the other hand, Iranian state television has announced: “Following the terrorist incident in Kerman, the government declared tomorrow [Thursday] a day for public mourning across the country.”
Hamas deputy head Saleh al-Arouri killed in Israeli drone strike
Earlier on Tuesday, Israel reportedly assassinated Saleh al-Arouri, a senior official in the political leadership of Hamas, in Beirut's southern suburbs.
The strike occurred on Tuesday night and resulted in a significant explosion that destroyed several vehicles in the residential area of Dahiyeh, a stronghold of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
The attack, which claimed the life of Arouri, also took the lives of three other individuals, including two Qassam Brigade commanders, according to statements from both Hamas and Israeli officials.
According to Hezbollah TV Hamas dep head Saleh al Arouri was killed in an explosion south of Beirut. Three others were killed by a bomb laden drone.
— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) January 2, 2024
Al Arouri was one of the founders of Hamas' military & leader of the group in the West Bank.
This is believed to be the scene. pic.twitter.com/rUyAbu2IYg
The targeted strike has intensified the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter being an ally of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Saleh al-Arouri, a founding member of the armed wing of Hamas, was known for his deep involvement in the organization's military affairs.
The Israeli military, in response to queries about the incident, refrained from confirming or denying the reports, stating that it does not respond to foreign media reports.
Dahiyeh, where the explosion occurred, witnessed the aftermath of the strike as social media footage depicted burnt-out wreckage and crowds gathering near the site. The area is not only a residential zone but also home to many members of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah's Manar television station reported the incident, noting that an explosion had taken place near the Hadi Nasrallah highway, close to a road junction. Although details about the explosion remain scarce, a witness suggested that it might have been caused by an Israeli drone striking the second floor of a building in the crowded neighborhood.
