Two explosions caused by”terrorist attacks,” resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people and left numerous others wounded during a ceremony in Iran. The event was organized to commemorate Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian commander who was killed by a US drone strike in 2020.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency of Iran, the first explosion occurred in the underpass area next to the Jebeliya Dome, and the second took place at Qoli Bey Gate near Sahibul Zaman Mosque.
An unnamed official informed the state news agency IRNA that “Two explosive devices planted along the road leading to Kerman’s Martyrs’ Cemetery were detonated remotely by terrorists.”
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Videos broadcasted by Iranian media depicted numerous bodies scattered around, with some bystanders attempting to assist survivors and others rushing to leave the blast area.
Reza Fallah, the head of the Kerman Red Crescent Society, mentioned, “A terrible sound was heard there, despite all the security and safety measures. We are still investigating.”
The governor’s security deputy of Kerman earlier confirmed in an interview that two explosions on the paths of Golzar martyrs were terrorist attacks. A local official in Kerman province was quoted as saying, “The blasts were caused by terrorist attacks.” Babak Yektaparast, a spokesperson for Iran’s emergency services, later reported that 73 people had been killed, and 170 others were injured.
The semi-official Nournews initially mentioned that “several gas canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery.” State TV displayed Red Crescent rescuers attending to wounded individuals at the ceremony, where hundreds had gathered to mark the anniversary of Qassem Soleimani’s death. Some Iranian news agencies suggested a higher number of wounded individuals.
Reza Fallah, head of the Kerman province Red Crescent, reported, “Our rapid response teams are evacuating the injured… But there are waves of crowds blocking roads.”
Turkey Arrests 33 Individuals Over Alleged Spying For Israel
In another significant development, Turkey detained 33 individuals on Tuesday, suspected of espionage on behalf of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service.
Although the specific nationalities of the detainees were not disclosed, reports indicated that the arrests took place in coordinated raids across eight provinces surrounding Istanbul. The nature of the alleged mission involved activities such as abductions and reconnaissance work.
Turkish authorities are actively pursuing an additional 13 suspects linked to what has been described as “international espionage” carried out in Israel’s interests.
