Suicide Bombings
On Thursday, the militant Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the twin bombings during a memorial ceremony in Iran, which killed at least 84 people commemorating the slain Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani.
The IS statement on Telegram mentioned that two of its members activated explosives vests among the crowds honoring Soleimani’s death anniversary. Iranian investigators confirmed the involvement of suicide bombers in the attacks. Soleimani, head of the Quds Force, was a known adversary of IS.
The death toll was later revised down from around 100. Iran, terming it a “terrorist attack,” experienced deadly incidents in the past, often attributed to militants or targeted actions, including those linked to Israel. Iran’s Interior Minister discussed enhancing security along the borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, identifying priority points to block potential threats.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed “evil and criminal enemies” without specifying, promising a harsh response. Amid regional tensions, President Ebrahim Raisi’s political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi, asserted on social media that the “responsibility for this crime lies with the US and Zionist (Israeli) regimes.” The United States and Israel denied involvement, with the US State Department dismissing any suggestion of US.
Amid the ongoing Gaza bombardment, regional tensions have escalated, involving Iran-backed armed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. On October 7, Hamas fighters infiltrated Israel, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched a relentless offensive, causing extensive destruction in Gaza and claiming over 22,400 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Following the recent twin bombings in Kerman, Iran called for mass protests, and the death toll was revised to 84. Forensic challenges in identifying dismembered bodies contributed to discrepancies in the count. The Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, attributed the attack to individuals supplied by the United States and Israel, citing recent killings linked to these nations.
Iran frequently accuses Israel and the United States of inciting unrest, executing individuals convicted of collaboration, and dismantling alleged spy networks. International condolences poured in, with Pakistan expressing solidarity, the OIC offering support, and the EU condemning the incident as a terrorist attack. Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed shock over the attacks, expressing condolences and opposing terrorism while supporting Iran’s efforts to maintain national security and stability.
