An attack near the grave of the recently slain Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani earlier today has left dozens dead and many injured. Twin blasts which occurred near the Abdullah Abdulkhaliq mosque in Kerman, Iran, have taken the lives of at least 32 people, with more wounded.
Officials from the Iranian government have officially responded to the unprovoked attack, with many confirming the deaths of innocent civilians and the destruction of a local cultural area around the region of the mosque.
The stoic character of Qassem Soleimani adds to the public’s shock at the tragedy today. The commander was killed in a US strike in Baghdad in January this year, causing an international outcry. Soleimani was seen as a highly respected leader within the Iranian people, leading some to theorize motivations behind this attack due to his popularity and reverence.
It has not yet been revealed who was responsible for this morning’s devastating attack, and speculation continues to center around potential state-sponsored actors within the region or from abroad.
No matter the culprit, the victims are rightfully mourning the loss of life and the destruction of their historical sites. For now, it seems that the only people in agreement on this devastating tragedy are the citizens of Kerman – that mourning for Soleimani’s death should remain peaceful and respectful.
