Iran Blasts: In Kerman, Iran, there were two enormous explosions that claimed 103 lives. In contrast, over 170 persons suffered injuries. This information has come from the news source AFP. These explosions happened close to the resting place of the nation’s former general, Qasim Sulemani. These explosions occurred during the program commemorating the fourth anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination, according to reports from Iran’s official media.
This incident has been classified as a terrorist attack by Iran’s Deputy Governor. 2020 saw the death of General Qasim Sulemani via American drone strike. Sulemani was regarded as one of the most influential individuals in Iran, second only to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader. In the footage that are becoming popular on social media, numerous dead bodies can be seen driving. After the explosion, footage released by Iranian state television showed sizable crowds fleeing the scene. It’s possible for the death toll to rise in such circumstances.
How did the ex-general pass away?
On January 3, 2020, a US drone attack on Baghdad airport resulted in the death of former General Soleimani. In this context, it has been four years since his passing. This time, there was going to be a program in his honor. These explosions happened in the meantime. Notably, Trump referred to Soleimani as the world’s top terrorist in 2020 and termed his killing the biggest accomplishment.
The number of deaths could rise.
Iran’s National Emergency Services Organization spokesman Babak Yekta Parast predicted that the death toll from the explosions would probably increase. The Al Jazeera story claims that the spokesman called state television and stated, “Based on the information we have received, it appears that a significant number of the injured are in very serious condition.” He added that emergency medical helicopters were prepared to fly victims from Kerman to hospitals in Tehran, the country’s capital, if necessary.
Blast occurs at a sensitive time in the area
The explosion happened in the middle of a three-month conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which was sparked by the terrorist organization’s October 7 attack on Israel.
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, which is managed by Hamas, the battle has resulted in fighting outside of Israel and Gaza, often including militias supported by Iran. Over 23,000 people have died in Gaza as a result of the fighting.
A top Hamas official was slain on Tuesday in a blast in a Beirut suburb, which a US official claimed CNN was orchestrated by Israel. Although Israel hasn’t acknowledged or disputed its role, the militant organization Hezbollah, which rules the area, and Hamas have accused Israel of being involved and promised retaliation.
Last week, Israel was accused of killing a senior Iranian commander in Syria by Iran and a number of its military proxies. Iran threatened to retaliate. Israel remained silent about the issue.
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah declared that the murder of the Hamas official in Beirut “won’t go unpunished” at a speech commemorating the anniversary of Soleimani’s passing.
Israel charges Iran with arming and sponsoring Hamas. According to remarks made by Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last month, his nation is facing attacks from seven different arenas, including Iran, in a “multi-arena war.” He declared, “In six of these decrees, we have already responded and taken action.”
Additionally, the US has recently increased its military presence in the Middle East. Following an attack that left three US soldiers injured, the Pentagon launched airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah, which receives support from Iran, and “affiliated groups” in Iraq last month.
Additionally, last week, after coming under fire in the Red Sea, US helicopters sunk three vessels that belonged to Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, killing everyone on board. This was the first time the US had murdered rebel group members since hostilities started earlier in the year.