ISIS Claims Responsibility for Deadly Suicide Bombings in Kerman
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the worst militant attack in decades in Iran. Two suicide bombings targeted a ceremony in Kerman commemorating Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was slain in a 2020 U.S. drone strike.
The attacks, which killed at least 84 people and wounded 284, aimed to exploit the regional chaos amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The ceremony honored Soleimani, a Revolutionary Guard icon and perceived U.S. military foe.
The Islamic State identified the attackers as Omar al-Mowahed and Seif-Allah al-Mujahed, alleging they used explosive vests. The group, known for its disdain towards Shiites, didn’t specify the regional arm responsible. Analysts suggest ISIS hopes to escalate tensions between Iran and Israel.
Aaron Y. Zelin from The Washington Institute for Near East Policy noted the group’s desire for a regional conflict and likened their approach to causing chaos.
While ISIS once held significant territory, it has faced setbacks but remains a threat. Iran has not immediately acknowledged the claim. Surveillance footage suggested male suicide bombers, and officials revised the death toll to 84 after earlier discrepancies. The gathering marked the fourth anniversary of Soleimani’s death.
Iranian state media described the attacks as bombings, with investigations ongoing. The incident follows the killing of a Hamas deputy head in a suspected Israeli strike in Beirut the previous day.
