Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Iran: At least 50 dead in explosion near gravesite of Qassem Soleimani

At least 73 people were killed Wednesday afternoon in two explosions in a street leading to the gravesite of former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, on the fourth anniversary of his death, Iranian media reported.

Dozens more people were injured in the blasts.

The blasts occurred as thousands marched to pay respects to Soleimani on the anniversary of his passing.

First responders were called to the scene.

Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq, on January 3, 2020.

It is not yet clear what caused the explosions. Initially, some cemetery officials believe gas cylinders to be at the source of the blast. However, shortly afterwards a second explosion occurred in the area and suspicions of foul play began to mount.

The deputy leader of Iran's Kerman Province has said that the explosions were an act of terror.