Two bomb blasts reportedly killed dozens near terrorist Qassem Soleimani’s tomb on the fourth anniversary of his death.
At least 73 people were killed by terrorists Wednesday in twin explosions at the memorial service for Soleimani, BBC reported Wednesday morning. BBC and other major outlets are reporting that at least 103 people died as of Wednesday late afternoon.
At least 171 people at the procession were reportedly injured near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in the southern city of Kerman, according to BBC. Kerman’s deputy governor referred to the incident as a “terrorist attack.”
Hundreds of mourners made their way to Soleimani’s tomb as part of the ceremony commemorating the deceased terrorist. Video posted online shows several bodies strewn across a road, according to the outlet. (RELATED: Israeli Airstrike Reportedly Kills Senior Iranian General)
BREAKING:
⚡ 🇮🇷 Terrorist attack on the memorial ceremony of General Suleimani.
Two explosions at the road leading to Soleimani’s grave and memorial ceremony in Kerman.
Soleimani’s biggest enemy was the Mossad, Israel and ISIS. Do the math yourself who is carrying out… pic.twitter.com/0OnQvx5pM1
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) January 3, 2024
Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guards’ overseas operations arm, and a driver of Iranian policy before he was killed. He provided guidance, funding, weapons, intelligence and logistical support to allied governments and terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, according to BBC.
Former President Donald Trump ordered Soleimani’s assassination in Jan. 2020, describing the top general as “the number one terrorist anywhere in the world,” according to the outlet. Iran claimed that Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks against Israel were revenge for Soleimani’s death in December. This came after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed vengeance in a January 2023 speech commemorating Soleimani three years after his death.