Deadly blasts claim 103 lives near tomb of former Iranian commander during ceremony

IRAN: On Wednesday (3 Jan), in the Iranian city of Kerman, over 100 people lost their lives and many were injured in two devastating explosions.

The tragic incident occurred during the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the death of General Qassem Soleimani from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

As reported by Iranian state media, a local official in the Kerman province labelled the blasts as “terrorist attacks.”

According to Tasnim, an Iranian news outlet linked to the IRGC, the first explosion occurred approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet) away from Soleimani’s burial site.

The subsequent explosion happened about one kilometre away (0.62 miles), indicating that the explosives were not placed in the busiest area and did not have to pass through security gates.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Social media footage depicted the aftermath of the tragic incident, showing ambulances rushing to the scene amid a panicked crowd in the wake of the blast.

BREAKING: 73 killed, 170 wounded in Iran bombings near slain general's grave, Iran calls it a terrorist attack

READ: https://t.co/xRdvge1NuK pic.twitter.com/fipToGllZB

— Q..uebec A NON! (@QuebecANONN) January 4, 2024

Mohammad Saberi, head of Kerman’s emergency services, confirmed to state media that the death toll has risen to 103, as more critically injured victims succumbed to their injuries.

“The current number of the injured is 141, some of whom are critically injured,” he said.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi strongly condemned the “heinous and inhumane crime,” while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed retaliation for the brutal twin bombings. He emphasized that those responsible for this cruel act will face severe consequences.

Several countries, including Russia and Turkey, condemned the attacks, and the U.N. Secretary-General called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Secretary-General @antonioguterres strongly condemns the attack on a memorial ceremony in Kerman city in Iran & calls for those responsible to be held accountable.

Full statement: https://t.co/w9ZBn3WSzo

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) January 3, 2024

The EU has condemned the Kerman bombing “in the strongest terms,” expressing its solidarity with the Iranian people.

“This act of terror has exacted a shocking toll of civilian deaths and injuries. Our thoughts now are with the victims and their families. Perpetrators must be held accountable,” the statement said.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned about the potential destabilization of regional security due to the severity of the criminal act, while Jordan’s Foreign Ministry offered a general condemnation of the incident.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives in the terrorist attacks in Kerman.

Deeply saddened to learn about the huge loss of lives in terrorist attacks in Kerman. Pakistan condemns this heinous act and stands in solidarity with Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian Government and people at this difficult time @raisi_com 🇵🇰 🇮🇷

— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) January 3, 2024

On Thursday morning, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed heartfelt condolences to the Iranians, affirming Malaysia’s support and solidarity.

“Malaysia strongly rejects, condemns, and vehemently denounces any form of violence against the innocent. ”

“For almost three months, the world has witnessed Israel’s massacre of innocent individuals in Palestine and, most recently, in Lebanon just two days ago.”

Qassem Soleimani headed the IRGC Quds Force from 1998 to 2020, he was killed alongside several others in a drone strike at Baghdad’s international airport.

He acquired celebrity status at home and abroad for his key role in spreading Iranian influence in the Middle East, which the US and Tehran’s regional foes, Saudi Arabia and Israel, have struggled to keep in check.

Soleimani strengthened Iran’s ties with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as Syria’s al-Assad and Shia fighters in Iraq.