Iran under attack: the shadow of ISIS over Kerman
Deadly Explosions at Soleimani Commemoration, Over 80 Victims
Introduction to the Events
On January 3, 2024, a tragic event shook the city of Kerman, Iran. During the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the death of General Qassem Soleimani, two explosions resulted in the deaths of over 80 people and the injury of more than 200 civilians. The event, which appears to bear the signature of a terrorist attack, occurred in a context of escalating regional tensions and has raised international concerns.
Rescue and Victim Count
Following the devastating explosions in Kerman, rescue and victim assistance operations played a crucial role. Rescue teams, led by organizations like the Kerman Red Cross and Iranian government agencies, immediately mobilized to address the emergency. Over 280 people were injured, many of them severely, requiring immediate and long-term medical care. The death toll was ultimately confirmed at 84, following initial uncertainties due to the confusion and severity of the event.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate the injured from the explosion sites, ensuring safe transport to the nearest hospitals. Medical facilities in Kerman and surrounding areas were put on high alert to handle the influx of injured individuals. Operating rooms and intensive care units were rapidly set up to treat the most severe cases.
In addition to immediate medical assistance, rescue teams provided psychological support to survivors and the families of the victims. The tragedy had a profound impact on the local community, leaving many people in a state of shock and mourning.
Rescue efforts also witnessed widespread solidarity and participation from the community. Many residents of Kerman and the surrounding areas volunteered to donate blood, provide food and temporary accommodation, and assist in clean-up and debris removal in the affected areas.
Involvement and Claim by Daesh (ISIS)
Investigations into the attacks are still ongoing. However, from the early moments, Iranian authorities and some officials from the Biden administration expressed suspicions regarding possible involvement of ISIS. Daesh has, in recent hours, claimed responsibility for the Kerman attack, marking a tragic record as the bloodiest attack in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Despite the claim, doubts persist about the true perpetrators. The attack could be the result of internal tensions or external influences. The United States and Israel do not appear to be directly involved. Iran, dealing with internal dissent and nuclear negotiations, seeks to avoid a military escalation. However, in the past, ISIS has claimed similar attacks in Iran, including the 2022 attack on a Shiite shrine that resulted in 15 deaths. Meanwhile, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has canceled a planned visit to Turkey, declaring a national day of mourning in honor of the victims.
Possible Future Conflict Scenarios
The death of Soleimani in 2020 and recent tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States have already created an atmosphere of uncertainty in the region.
This attack comes at a time of increasing tension in the Middle East, marked by the recent death of Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas, killed in a drone attack in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Al-Arouri’s death, an ally of Iran, and the attack in Kerman have raised concerns of further escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional tensions.
The complexity of the situation in the Middle East, with its various factions and alliances, makes the context even more uncertain and dangerous. Iran’s role in supporting groups like Hamas and the nervousness with Israel and the United States add further layers of complexity to the already intricate political and military landscape of the region.
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