Two explosions occurred in Kerman, Iran, where the tomb of General Qassem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is located. reported IRNA agency.
According to the latest information data103 people died and 188 people were injured. Some victims are in serious condition. Fars agency source also reportedIt was stated that 4 police officers lost their lives as a result of the explosion. press tv transmitsIt was stated that three employees of the Iranian Red Crescent were among the dead.
All people in Golzar cemetery were evacuated; The cemetery is now closed. The victims were taken to local hospitals.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed We express our condolences to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the country’s President Ibrahim Raisi.
“The killing of civilians visiting the cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and mockery <…> “We strongly condemn all forms and manifestations of terrorism and confirm our commitment to an uncompromising fight against this evil,” he wrote on Telegram.
What is known about explosions
Iranian Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi reportedIt was stated that the first explosion occurred around 15:00 local time (15:30 Moscow time). Citizens gathered for mourning events rushed to the aid of the victims. According to Kerman Mayor Said Shaarbaf, the second explosion occurred 10 minutes later.
The explosions occurred approximately 300 meters away from each other. The first is 700 meters from the grave of General Soleimani, and the second is one kilometer away. According to Vahidi, many people were injured in the second explosion.
Kerman Deputy Governor Rahman Celali statedIt was stated that the authorities evaluated the explosions as a terrorist attack.
Tasnim Agency quotes sources reportedThe bombs placed in two bags exploded at the entrance of Golzar cemetery. They were blown up from afar. IRNA also provides information about the explosion of two packages. The agency denies reports that the explosion was carried out by a suicide bomber.
Zabihollah Azami-Sardui, Member of the Iranian Parliament, representative of the city of Jiroft, Kerman province stated Jamaran agency reported that four explosions occurred.
Iranian Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi called on the rumors not to be listened to. transmits Far. He said that the reasons for the explosions were being investigated and that the ministry had information about the terrorist attack, but this needed to be confirmed.
The Foreign Minister also described the explosions at the Golzar cemetery as “a blind crime against the public and the fans of the national hero”. Ahmed Vahidi said that Iran will give a “definitive response”:
“After the terrorist attack in Kerman, there will be a deafening reaction from the security forces and military apparatus as soon as possible.”
On January 3, a funeral ceremony was held in Golzar cemetery in memory of Qassem Soleimani. Major General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) elite Quds Force, was killed in a US Air Force strike near Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020. The Pentagon said that the order to kill Soleimani was given by US President Donald Trump himself. The ministry added that Trump’s order was in response to the attack on the US Iraqi base near Kirkuk on December 27, 2019. (As a result of this attack, 1 American soldier was killed).