The death toll from two back-to-back bombings at the tomb of Iranian Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani, who was slain in a US drone attack in 2020, has jumped to 103, while the twin terror attacks left at nearly 200 people injured, as reported by Iranian state media.
During the ceremony in the southeast city of Kerman, Iranian state television claimed a first and then a second explosion, claiming multiple casualties.
“Several petrol canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery and relevant authorities are monitoring the situation,” stated the semi-official Nournews.
Ambulances were seen approaching the cemetery, where hundreds of Iranians had gathered to commemorate Soleimani’s death anniversary, according to the SNN news agency.
Soleimani was considered the most powerful figure in Iran, second only to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
As the leader of the Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guards’ wing responsible for overseas operations, he played a significant role in determining Iranian policy throughout the region.
He was in charge of the Quds Force’s clandestine activities, which included advising ally governments and armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and providing them with money, weapons, information, and logistical support.
