3-1-2024 (TEHRAN) Tragedy struck the Iranian city of Kerman on Wednesday as twin blasts near the burial site of the late military commander Qasem Soleimani resulted in at least 73 fatalities and left 170 others injured. State media reported the incident as a terror attack, with the explosions occurring close to the grave of Soleimani, who was assassinated by a US airstrike four years ago at Baghdad International Airport.
The first explosion took place approximately 700 meters away from Soleimani’s grave, followed by a second blast a kilometer away as pilgrims visited the site, according to IRNA. The Deputy Governor for Political and Security stated that it remains unclear whether the incident was caused by a gas explosion or a terrorist attack.
Videos shared on Iranian state media depicted chaotic scenes of large crowds fleeing the area in the aftermath of the explosions. Soleimani, once one of Iran’s most influential figures, led the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force, a unit responsible for Iran’s overseas operations and designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US.
The Pentagon held Soleimani responsible for numerous deaths and injuries among American and coalition service members. Often referred to as Iran’s “shadow commander,” Soleimani played a key role in Iranian military operations in Iraq and Syria.
An explosion occurred near the cemetery in the city of Kerman, where Qassem Soleimani is buried pic.twitter.com/KBjySpALyU
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The timing of the blasts adds another layer of tension to an already volatile region. Israel is currently engaged in a three-month conflict with Hamas in Gaza, triggered by the militant group’s attack on Israel in October. The war has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, with tensions spilling beyond Israel and Gaza, involving Iran-backed militias.
Recent events, including the killing of a senior Hamas leader in Beirut and accusations of Israel assassinating an Iranian commander in Syria, have further heightened regional tensions. Hezbollah, which controls the suburb in Beirut where the Hamas leader was killed, and Hamas blamed Israel for the attack and vowed retaliation.
Israel accuses Tehran of funding and arming Hamas, contributing to the complex geopolitical landscape. The United States has also increased its military involvement in the Middle East, conducting airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and responding to attacks in the Red Sea involving Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
