Florencia Soto Nino, associate spokesperson for the Secretary-General, conveyed the United Nations’ strong condemnation of the attack on a memorial ceremony in Kerman City, Iran. The incident, which occurred during a crowded anniversary event at the cemetery where commander Qassem Soleimani is buried, reportedly resulted in over 100 fatalities and numerous injuries.
“The Secretary-General calls for those responsible to be held accountable,” added Soto Nino. Iranian state television reported two successive blasts, with an unnamed official stating that “two explosive devices planted along the road leading to Kerman’s Martyrs’ Cemetery were detonated remotely by terrorists.”
The toll from the attack stands at least 103 people killed and 211 others injured, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Iran. The country has previously experienced similar attacks from various groups, including the Islamic State.
Scores of wounded individuals were swiftly transported to hospitals, with body bags seen on the hospital floor. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi denounced the “heinous and inhumane crime,” and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed revenge for the twin bombings. President Raisi canceled a planned visit to Turkey in the aftermath of the attacks.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated strong condemnation for the bombing on the ceremony, emphasizing the need to bring those responsible to justice.
In the wake of the tragic event, a senior Biden administration official characterized the explosions as a “terrorist attack,” resembling the type previously attributed to ISIS. The official conveyed that the assumption, at present, is that the incident aligns with the modus operandi of ISIS.
The situation is evolving, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the attack and identify the perpetrators.