Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Deadly Bombing in Kerman, Iran

Defense News ,Iran :- In a chilling revelation, the Islamic State has asserted responsibility for the tragic bombing attack in Kerman, Iran, where 84 lives were lost. The terror group made the claim through its official Telegram account, terming the assault a "dual martyrdom operation." The attackers, identified as Omar al-Mowahid and Sayefulla al-Mujahid, targeted a commemoration ceremony at the tomb of Major General Qassim Suleimani, who was assassinated four years ago in a U.S. drone attack.

Contrary to initial speculations blaming Israel, the Islamic State declaration aligns with American intelligence assessments, suggesting their involvement in the attack. While some Iranian leaders initially pointed fingers at Israel, Western officials cast doubt on this theory, emphasizing Israel history of targeted operations against specific individuals or facilities.

The modus operandi also contradicted initial Iranian reports, which claimed that remotely detonated bombs had been placed along the road to the cemetery. American officials believe the Islamic State motive was not to frame Israel but to seize an opportunity to strike a long-standing adversary. The group historical opposition to Iran, with its Shiite Islamic government, underscores a deep-rooted animosity.

As Iran observed a national day of mourning, the death toll from the twin explosions was revised to 84, down from the initial count of 103. The interior minister, Ahmad Vahidi, expressed concern that the toll might rise due to the critical condition of some of the injured. A total of 284 people were wounded in the attack, with 220 still hospitalized in Kerman.

The bombings occurred at a delicate moment in the volatile West Asian region, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of General Suleimani death. The revered Iranian military and security leader holds significance for many Iranians, particularly those supportive of the government.