Two terrorist explosions occurred near the burial site of Iran’s General Qassem Soleimani in Kerman during a ceremony marking his fourth martyrdom anniversary, Press TV reported.
The blasts resulted in the death of 103 people and injuries to 188 others, with the possibility of the death toll rising as some of the wounded are in critical condition.
The explosions, which occurred about 700 meters and one kilometer away from the grave, were reportedly caused by two bags loaded with explosives that were remotely detonated.
The first explosion took place at 14:50 local time, followed by a second one 10 minutes later. Three rescuers from Iran’s Red Crescent Society were killed by the second blast, and some injuries occurred during a crowd crush after the first explosion. The Iranian government declared a day of national mourning, and Iran’s Interior Minister promised a swift and crushing response to the attackers.
The exact responsibility for the attack remains unknown, and an investigation is underway. The bombings are seen as a continuation of plots to target civilians at ceremonies, thwarted by Iranian security services in the past.
Iran’s Judiciary Chief vowed to swiftly hunt down and bring to justice those responsible for the attack, blaming terrorists backed by external forces harboring grudges against General Soleimani.