REPUBLICA.CO.ID, RIYADH -- Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (3/1/2024), condemned the two explosions. killed nearly 100 people and injured a number of people. Bombs explode at a ceremony in Iran to commemorate commander Qassem Soleimani.
“The Foreign Ministry confirms the Kingdom's rejection and condemnation of terrorist bombings targeting civilians in Iran,” said a statement, reported by Arab News on Thursday (4/1/2024).
The Saudi foreign ministry conveys its condolences and sympathy to the Iranian people. The ministry also hopes that the injured victims will recover quickly.
Iranian state television reported the first and second explosions 15 minutes apart. The blast occurred during a ceremony commemorating the fourth anniversary at the cemetery where Soleimani is buried in the southeastern city of Kerman. He was killed by a US drone in 2020.
Iranian Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi told state TV that the death toll reached 95 people, while the injured were 211. An unnamed official told state news agency IRNA that two explosive devices planted along the road leading to Kerman's Martyrs' Cemetery were detonated remotely by terrorists.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Video aired by Iranian media showed dozens of bodies strewn about. Some people tried to rescue those injured and others rushed to leave the blast area.
“A terrible sound was heard there, despite all the safety and security measures. We are still investigating,” said Reza Fallah, head of the Kerman Red Crescent Society.
Red Crescent rescuers tried to rescue the victims, but a large crowd made it difficult for them. “We are now evacuating the wounded and injured in the area. The crowd was huge and the job was pretty tough all the way to it was blocked,” Fallah said.