On the anniversary of the death of powerful Iranian general Ghassem Soleimani, at least 73 people were killed in two explosions in his hometown of Kerman.
More than 170 others were injured, state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday, citing emergency services in the city of Kerman. Their reporters spoke of a “horrific sound of an explosion.” There were also reports from Iranian media of a second explosion. The deputy governor of Kerman spoke of a terrorist attack, state broadcaster IRIB reports.
🔴 Another explosion in the vicinity of the cemetery #Kerman is now reported #Iran.
🔹️80 killed in two explosions in #Iran.
🔹️Most of the dead were not injured as a result of the explosion, but because the panic started, people ran over each other…
🔹️The cause of… pic.twitter.com/Fx3zYmEWMR
— Schulla (@Schulla007) January 3, 2024
Kerman, in the center of the country, is home to Ghassem Soleimani, the former commander of the foreign units of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). The US killed him in a drone strike in Iraq on January 3, 2020. Soleimani is venerated as a martyr by government supporters loyal to the system.
Also on Wednesday, crowds of people made a pilgrimage through the streets of Kerman to Soleimani’s grave. In a segment broadcast live on state television, bangs and screams could be heard. A reporter’s live broadcast showed rescue workers rushing to a hospital with injured people in the background. The exact reason for the explosion was initially unclear. (rbu/sda/dpa)
Update to follow…
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I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
