Severe Response Awaits Perpetrators of Kerman Terrorist Attacks: Leader
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei offered condolences after two blasts killed over 100 people in the country’s southern city of Kerman, stressing that those behind these terrorist acts will receive a severe response.
“Once again, the wicked and criminal enemies of the Iranian nation created a tragedy and martyred a large number of dear people in Kerman and in the fragrant atmosphere of martyrs’ tombs,” the Leader said in a message on Wednesday.
Ayatollah Khamenei added that the criminals could not tolerate the people’s love for Lt. General Qassem Soleimani and their enthusiasm to visit the tomb of the esteemed figure on the anniversary of his martyrdom.
The enemies “must know that the soldiers of the bright path of Soleimani will not tolerate their villainy and crime either,” the Leader stressed.
Both the hands that are stained with the blood of the innocent and the corrupt and evil (masterminds of the attacks) who have deviated the perpetrators into carrying these terrorist acts will definitely face justice, Ayatollah Khamenei added.
“They must know that this act of creating a tragedy will be followed by a stern response by God’s will,” he stated.
The Leader also offered condolences to the families of the martyrs of the attacks and sympathized with the wounded, praying for their recovery.
Iran’s emergency organization said that the two terrorist blasts near the burial site of Iran’s General Qassem Soleimani in the city of Kerman during a Wednesday ceremony marking his fourth martyrdom anniversary left 103 people dead and 188 more injured.
Medical services said the death toll is expected to rise as ambulances were taking the wounded to hospitals, with Babak Yektaparast, deputy head of Iran’s Emergency Organization, saying that some of the injured are in critical condition.
According to reports, the first explosion occurred some 700 meters from the tomb of Martyr Soleimani and the second one about one kilometer away.
Two bags loaded with explosives which were remotely detonated are said to have caused the explosions.
The first explosion occurred at 14:50 local time. The second one took place 10 minutes later, according to Kerman Mayor Saeed Tabrizi.
Iran’s Red Crescent Society said three rescuers were killed by the second blast.
Some people were injured during a crowd crush following the first explosion. Officials say all the injured have been transferred to hospitals and the situation is under control.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, the Iranian cabinet of ministers has announced a day of national mourning on Thursday.