People gather at the scene of twin explosions during a ceremony held to mark the death of late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, in Kerman, Iran, on January 3, 2024. Photo: Reuters
Gulf countries, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and UN chief have strongly condemned the twin blasts in Iran that at least 84 people during a ceremony commemorating the death of Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in 2020.
The blasts took place in the southeastern city of Kerman on Wednesday, January 3, along the road leading to cemetery where Soleimani was laid to rest.
Videos on social media showing bodies on the road and ambulances rushing to the scene.
Iranian officials have blamed that the blasts were a “terrorist attack”, although no one has claimed responsibility or provided a clear cause.
In statements posted on X, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Bahrain foreign ministries expressed their sincere condolences to Iran for those killed in the explosion and wished the swift recovery of the injured.
Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), condemned the blasts targeting civilians in Iran.
The OIC General Secretariat expresses condolences and solidarity to the Iranian government, people, and families following the recent terrorist attack, wishing for speedy recovery for injured individuals.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, offering condolences to bereaved families and the Iranian government, and wishing for the injured’s swift recovery.
He calls for those responsible to be held accountable, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
In a statement, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi also condemned two blasts and emphasized the GCC’s stance against violence, extremism, and terrorism that destabilizes security and contradicts humanitarian principles.
This post was last modified on January 4, 2024 9:50 pm