World

Afghan political figures condemn Iran ceremony attack

Several Afghan political figures have condemned the recent explosions in Kerman, Iran, during a ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of Qassem Soleimani’s death. The incident resulted in the deaths of 95 people, revised down from 103.

Ahmad Masoud, leader of the resistance front, commented on the regional spread of terrorism, calling it a “sinister phenomenon.”

Abdullah Abdullah, former head of the High Council for Reconciliation, described the attacks as “terrorist and criminal” and an affront to “human and Islamic values.”

Salahuddin Rabbani, leader of Jamiat-e-Islami of the Rabbani branch, issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the terrorism threat and the need for decisive action to combat it.

Esmail Ghaani, head of Iran’s elite Quds force, accused “the Zionist regime and criminal America” during the ceremony for Soleimani.

Iranian Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi reported to state TV that 211 people were injured in the attack, making it the deadliest in the Islamic Republic’s history, with a history of similar incidents from various groups, including Islamic State.

While Iran has previously accused Israel of orchestrating attacks within its borders, a claim Israel has neither confirmed nor denied, no evidence suggests foreign state involvement in the recent cemetery explosions.

The attacks have been condemned by several countries, including Russia and Turkey. The U.N. Secretary-General has called for accountability for those responsible.