In a solemn ceremony marking the anniversary of the death of Qasem Soleimani, the revered Iranian general, tragedy struck in the city of Kerman. Two successive explosions occurred during the event, resulting in a devastating toll. Reports from Iranian state television indicated that at least 103 individuals lost their lives, with around 170 people sustaining injuries. The explosions, categorized as a "terrorist attack," targeted the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque, a significant site in Soleimani's southern hometown where he is laid to rest.
The timing of the bombings added to the already heightened tensions in the Middle East. The day before the incident, Hamas leader Saleh al-Aruri, known as an ally of Iran, was killed in a drone strike in Beirut. Lebanese authorities attributed this strike to Israel, contributing to the regional atmosphere of unrest.
The explosions occurred precisely on the fourth anniversary of Qasem Soleimani's death. Soleimani, the former head of the Quds Force, a crucial branch of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, was killed in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport. He had earned the status of a "living martyr" according to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and was revered for his strategic role in combating the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
The city of Kerman, Soleimani's hometown, was deeply affected by the tragic incident, with the deputy governor describing it as a "terrorist attack." State media reported that the explosions were caused by remote-controlled bombs concealed in two bags. Disturbing images from the scene depicted crowds fleeing, and the aftermath revealed the significant response of ambulances and rescue personnel.
Qasem Soleimani's death in 2020 led to an outpouring of national grief, and millions of Iranians participated in mourning events leading up to his funeral in Kerman. He was regarded as a hero for his instrumental role in defeating the Islamic State and preventing the disintegration of neighboring countries. Despite being a formidable adversary to the US and its allies, Soleimani commanded immense popularity among Iranians, as reflected in a 2018 survey where he outscored prominent political figures. The recent bombings during the commemoration underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, eliciting concerns about stability and security.
