On the Qasem Soleimani anniversary of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani’s death, a tragic incident unfolded in Kerman, southern Iran, as two explosions near his gravesite claimed the lives of over 100 people and left scores wounded.
The explosions occurred in quick succession, shattering the commemorative atmosphere as the nation marked the anniversary of Soleimani’s killing in a US drone strike in Iraq.
The blasts resounded near the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque, the final resting place of the head of foreign operations of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Reports from AFP indicated that the initial explosion occurred near the mosque, followed shortly by a second blast in the same vicinity.
Reza Fallah, the head of the Kerman province Red Crescent rescuers, shared the extent of the emergency response efforts. He stated, “Our rapid response teams are evacuating the injured… But there are waves of crowds blocking roads,” emphasizing the challenging conditions faced by the rescue teams.
Iranian state TV reported the explosions near Qasem Soleimani burial place but provided no specific details regarding the cause. A stampede ensued in the aftermath of the explosions, resulting in additional injuries.
What Iranian state TV reported on the blasts
Live broadcasts depicted thousands of mourners participating in the anniversary event.
with ambulances rushing to the scene to assist the injured.
Nournews, a local outlet, suggested that “several gas canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery.
” Meanwhile, a local official quoted by Iranian state media stated.
“it is not yet clear whether the explosions were caused by gas cylinders or a terrorist attack.
” The lack of clarity surrounding the nature of the incident added to the confusion and shock within the nation.
The explosions unfolded within a 15-minute span in the central province of Kerman.
as reported by Bloomberg. The province’s deputy governor, quoted by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the cause, whether it was a gas explosion or a potential “terrorist attack.”
Qasem Soleimani, despite his death in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport in 2020.
remains a revered figure in Iran.
As the head of the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
his demise had triggered concerns about a potential direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States.
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The incident near Qasem Soleimani’s grave is a grim reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region and the persistent threat of violence.
The anniversary, intended for reflection and remembrance.
turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy. The nation mourns not only the loss of a significant military figure but also the victims of this unexpected and devastating event.
As investigations unfold.
the Iranian people grapple with the aftermath of the explosions, seeking answers and solace in the face of this unexpected tragedy.
The international community watches with concern, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry to determine the cause of the explosions and prevent future incidents that could further escalate tensions in the region.
