According to the authorities, it is a terrorist attack. So far, no group has taken any hits to its name.
In Iran, more than 100 people have been killed and nearly 200 wounded in two explosions in the city of Kerman in the central parts of the country.
The explosions took place on Wednesday near Maj.-Gen Qassem Suleimani grave, where mourners had gathered to honor the anniversary of the death of the commander of the Revolutionary Guard.
The US killed Suleiman in an airstrike in Iraq in January 2020.
Iran’s state television reported first one and then another explosion in the cemetery of the city of Kerman.
– The explosions were caused by terrorist attacks, the state media quoted the authorities of the Kerman province.
According to Iran’s state television, 103 people have been killed and at least 170 injured in the attacks.
According to Iranian media, the number of victims may rise, as the rescue work is in progress.
– Our rescue teams are evacuating the injured, but the roads are blocked by the masses of people, the local leader of the Red Crescent told state television.
Two explosions
Information about the causes of the explosions or the way a possible terrorist attack was carried out is so far sketchy. According to the semi-official Nournews news site, several gas canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery.
According to the AP news agency, the video footage obtained from the area suggests that the second explosion occurred approximately fifteen minutes after the first.
Terrorist groups are known to often use the tactic of two explosions, where the second explosion aims to kill rescue personnel and fleeing people.
So far, no terrorist group has claimed responsibility. The possible connection of the attack to Qassem Suleiman, who was killed by the United States, is also unclear.
President of the United States Donald Trump’s ordered drone strike killed Suleiman at the Iraqi capital Baghdad airport in January 2020.
The attack sparked widespread protests in Iran, and Tehran responded by firing missiles at US troops in Iraq. According to the UN human rights rapporteur, the attack that killed Suleimani was against international law.
On the fourth anniversary of his death, it was known in advance that people would arrive at his grave, which made it possible to plan the attack.
Sources: AP, Reuters, AFP