Iran Tragedy Strikes as Over 100 Lives Lost in Explosions Near Qasem Soleimani’s Grave

Iran blast; Over 100 Lives Lost in Explosions Near Qasem Soleimani’s Grave on Anniversar

In a heartbreaking incident on the anniversary of the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, the peaceful commemoration turned into chaos as two explosions occurred in quick succession near his grave, claiming the lives of more than 100 people and leaving scores wounded.

The blasts took place near the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque in Kerman, southern Iran, where the revered Qasem Soleimani, head of foreign operations of Revolutionary Guards, is buried. The explosions triggered a sense of panic and led to a stampede among the thousands of mourners who had gathered to honor the general.

Reza Fallah, head of the Kerman province Red Crescent rescuers, revealed the challenges faced by the rescue teams. “Our rapid response teams are evacuating the injured… But there are waves of crowds blocking roads,” he stated, illustrating the chaotic aftermath of the tragic incident.

As the nation grappled with this calamity,  President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the attacks, labeling them as a “cowardly act.” He expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be identified and brought to justice by the capable security and law enforcement forces. Raisi emphasized the resilience of the Iranian nation, stating, “The enemies of the nation should know that such actions can never disrupt the solid determination of the nation.”

The Iranian state TV reported the explosions near Qasem Soleimani’s burial place but provided no details on the cause. A stampede ensued after the blasts, resulting in several injuries, as the live broadcast captured the overwhelming scenes of mourning interrupted by chaos. Ambulances rushed to the site to attend to the wounded, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Contradictory reports emerged regarding the cause of the explosions. Nournews suggested that “several gas canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery,” while a local official, as reported by Iranian state media, stated, “It is not yet clear whether the explosions were caused by gas cylinders or a terrorist attack.”

The explosions reverberated within a span of 15 minutes in the central province of Kerman, as per Bloomberg. The deputy governor of the province, quoted by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, indicated the uncertainty surrounding the incident, stating, “It’s not yet clear whether the blasts were caused by a gas explosion or a terrorist attack.”

Qasem Soleimani, even in death, remains a symbol of reverence and national pride. His assassination in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport in 2020 had stirred fears of a direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States. As the nation mourns the tragic loss of lives on the anniversary of his death, the incident further underscores the challenges and uncertainties faced by the Iranian people.

President, Ebrahim Raisi, promptly condemned the cowardly acts, asserting that the perpetrators would be identified and punished by the capable security and law enforcement forces. He emphasized the resilience of the Iranian nation, stating, “The enemies of the nation should know that such actions can never disrupt the solid determination of the Iranian nation.”

Iranian state TV reported the explosions near Qasem Soleimani’s burial place but provided no details on the cause. The live broadcast depicted thousands of mourners participating in the death anniversary, with several sustaining injuries in a stampede triggered by the explosions. Ambulances rushed to the site to provide aid and transport the wounded.

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the cause of the explosions. Nournews suggested that several gas canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery. Meanwhile, a local official, quoted by  state media, stated, “It is not yet clear whether the explosions were caused by gas cylinders or a terrorist attack.” The uncertainty surrounding the incident added to the confusion and heightened tensions in the aftermath.

Explosions reverberated within a span of 15 minutes in the central province of Kerman, as reported by Bloomberg. The province’s deputy governor, quoted by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, expressed uncertainty about whether the blasts resulted from a gas explosion or a “terrorist attack.”

Qasem Soleimani, despite his death in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport in 2020, remains a revered figure in Iran. Heading the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, his demise in 2020 raised concerns about the potential for a direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the tragic explosions near Soleimani’s resting place, questions linger about the true cause of the incident and the potential implications for Iran’s security and stability. The resilience of the Iranian people in the face of adversity, as emphasized by President Raisi, will undoubtedly shape the nation’s response to this unfortunate event.

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