In a devastating turn of events, Iran has been rocked by twin blasts that have tragically claimed the lives of at least 103 people, with over 140 injured. The explosions occurred near the grave of the late general Qasem Soleimani on the anniversary of his killing, as reported by state television. The catastrophic incident unfolded in quick succession, shocking the nation and the world alike.

The death toll, initially reported at 20, rapidly escalated to a staggering 103, according to the official IRNA news agency. The agency further reported that 141 individuals suffered injuries, some of whom are in critical condition. The blasts, which took place in the Kerman province, have been described by local officials as “terrorist attacks,” sending shockwaves across the region and sparking fears of further violence.

The semi-official Nournews reported that the cause of the explosions was several gas canisters detonating on the road leading to the cemetery. The scene was one of chaos and despair, as hundreds gathered at the cemetery to commemorate the death anniversary of Soleimani. State TV footage depicted Red Crescent rescuers frantically attending to the wounded amidst the overwhelming crowd.

Reza Fallah, head of the Kerman province Red Crescent, conveyed the dire situation to state TV, highlighting the challenges faced by the rapid response teams in evacuating the injured due to the surging crowds. The first blast reportedly occurred at 15:04 pm local time, with a second explosion following just 13 minutes later, creating a scene of panic and horror.

This tragic event not only marks a somber anniversary of Soleimani’s death but also raises serious concerns about security and terrorism in the region. Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian military officer, was the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps until his death in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport. His death had previously heightened tensions in the Middle East, and these recent blasts only add to the complexity of the geopolitical situation.

As Iran grapples with the aftermath of these horrific blasts, the world watches in shock and solidarity, mourning the loss of innocent lives and hoping for peace and stability in a region that has seen too much conflict. The full implications of these blasts are yet to unfold, but the tragedy of this event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Iran and the global community.

  Iran, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Kerman Province, Qasem Soleimani, Quds Force