In a tragic turn of events, more than 100 people lost their lives, and scores were injured in two explosions during a ceremony in Iran on Wednesday, held to commemorate the assassination of top commander Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone in 2020. Iranian officials attributed the attacks to unspecified “terrorists.”
The explosions occurred during a crowded anniversary event at the cemetery in the southeastern city of Kerman, where Soleimani is buried. Iranian state television reported the first and then a second blast, revealing a grim scene at the Martyrs’ Cemetery.
An unnamed official stated to the state news agency IRNA that “two explosive devices planted along the road leading to Kerman’s Martyrs’ Cemetery were detonated remotely by terrorists.” The attacks left at least 103 people dead and 211 others injured, marking one of the deadliest incidents of this nature in Iran. The country has experienced similar attacks in the past from various groups, including the Islamic State.
No group claimed responsibility for the blasts, adding to the mystery surrounding the tragic event. Red Crescent rescuers swiftly responded to tend to the wounded at the ceremony, where hundreds had gathered to mark the anniversary of Soleimani’s death. Some Iranian news agencies reported a higher number of wounded individuals, underscoring the severity of the situation.
