The Islamic State (ISIS) group claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings targeting a memorial for an Iranian general killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020, the worst militant attack on Iran in decades as the Middle East remains tense.
Experts who follow the group confirmed that the statement, which was circulated online among jihadists, came from the extremists, who are likely hoping to capitalize on the chaos gripping the region as a result of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza.
The attack in Kerman on Wednesday killed at least 84 people and injured 284 more. It targeted a ceremony honoring Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who is revered by supporters of the country’s theocracy but is viewed as a deadly foe by the US military for assisting militants who killed American troops in Iraq.
Read: Number Of Suspected Terrorists Removed From U.S. By ICE Skyrocketed In Fiscal Year 2023
On X, the Islamic State identified the two attackers as Umar al-Mowahed and Seifollah Mujahid.
According to the claim, the men used explosive vests to carry out the attacks. It also used derogatory language when referring to Shiites, whom the Islamic State group considers heretics.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help. Visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.