A Tragic Day in Kerman
On January 3, 2024, a tragic event unfolded in the Iranian city of Kerman, causing widespread grief and alarm. Two bomb blasts, near a cemetery where a ceremony was being held to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Qassem Soleimani’s death, resulted in a devastating loss of life. Soleimani, a significant figure in Iran, was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. The blasts occurred within 10 minutes of each other, the first 700 meters and the second 1,000 meters from Soleimani’s grave.
Casualties and Condemnation
The initial reports indicated over 100 casualties, but the number was later corrected to 84 fatalities, including six children, and 220 injuries. The discrepancies were due to duplicate names in the count. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the Iranian government and the families of the victims, and a wish for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused “evil and criminal enemies” for the attack, promising a harsh response. The global markets felt the impact of the attacks, with oil prices jumping over three percent.
Responsibility and Investigation
The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks via Telegram, more than 30 hours after the incident. The Iranian authorities, after a day of investigations, reported that the explosions were caused by suicide bombers, not remotely detonated devices as initially suspected. ISIS identified the attackers as “two martyrs,” listing their names in the statement. The Iranian government has not yet responded to ISIS’s claim.
Emergency Response
Iran’s emergency services spokesperson, Babak Yektaparast, reported the casualties, while state TV showed Red Crescent rescuers attending to the wounded. The commemoration ceremony had attracted hundreds of Iranians. Reza Fallah, head of the Kerman province Red Crescent, highlighted the challenges faced by the rapid response teams due to the crowds and blocked roads.
Conclusion
The Kerman attack, marking a grim chapter in Iran’s history, has drawn global attention and condemnation. The UAE’s response underscores the international community’s stance against terrorism and violence. The aftermath of this tragic event continues to unfold, with the world watching closely.
