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Iranian authorities announced on Friday that they have arrested at least 11 suspects in connection with the twin blasts that occurred during a ceremony honoring the slain commander Qassem Soleimani. The attacks, which took place on Wednesday, resulted in the death of nearly 100 people. The Islamic State had previously claimed responsibility for the attack, and Iran has vowed to seek revenge.
The intelligence ministry of Iran released a statement stating that security forces have apprehended two individuals who provided support to the two suicide bombers in Kerman. Additionally, nine other suspects, believed to have links to the incident, were detained in different parts of Iran.
In a televised address, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi pledged that the country’s security forces would determine the appropriate time and place to take action. As the victims were laid to rest on Friday, mourners were seen weeping over the coffins, and crowds chanted “revenge, revenge.” “We will find you wherever you are,” declared Revolutionary Guards commander Major-General Hossein Salami at the funeral in Kerman’s Imam Ali religious center.
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The twin bomb explosions marked the deadliest attacks in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The gathering was held to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Soleimani’s death, who was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad airport. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, issued a stern warning to the “criminals” responsible for the attacks, promising punishment and a strong response to the tragedy.
The Intelligence Ministry reported that its agents seized explosive devices, raw materials, explosive vests, remote-control devices, detonators, and thousands of pellets used in explosive vests. One of the suicide bombers was identified as a Tajik national.
Chronology of the Attacks
The attacks occurred a day after a deputy head of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was killed in a suspected Israeli strike in Beirut. The first bomb was detonated around 3 pm, followed by a second explosion approximately 20 minutes later, according to Ahmad Vahidi, the Iranian interior minister. The second blast caused the highest number of casualties.
Images and videos shared on social media align with the officials’ accounts, stating that the first blast occurred about 700 meters from Soleimani’s grave in the Kerman Martyrs Cemetery, near a parking lot.
The crowd then moved west along Shohada Street, where the second blast took place approximately 1 kilometer from the grave. Delayed second explosions are often employed by militants to inflict more casualties by targeting emergency personnel responding to the initial attack.
The Role of the Islamic State
In the past, Sunni extremist groups, including the Islamic State, have carried out large-scale attacks that targeted civilians in predominantly Shiite Iran. However, this attack in relatively peaceful Kerman is a notable deviation. The Islamic State, which had suffered significant losses due to a US-led coalition, has been attempting to rebuild its power and relevance. Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, a fellow at the Middle East Forum, remarked that this week’s attack in Iran indicates the group’s resurgence.
Following its defeat, the Islamic State went underground and formed sleeper cells that launched sporadic attacks. An Iraqi government security adviser, who is part of a high-level security unit monitoring Islamic State activities, confirmed the existence of these sleeper cells operating in Iraq and neighboring countries.
India Expresses Shock
India expressed deep shock and sadness in response to the tragic bombings in Kerman City, Iran. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed solidarity with the government and people of Iran during this challenging time.
“We are shocked and saddened by the terrible bombings in Kerman City, Iran. At this difficult time, we express our solidarity with the government and people of Iran,” stated Randhir Jaiswal. He further extended thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and those injured, emphasizing India’s support.
(with inputs from Reuters)
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