KERMAN, Iran – Iranian authorities have detained 11 individuals in connection with the bomb blasts that occurred in the central Iranian city of Kerman on Wednesday, resulting in numerous casualties. The country’s Intelligence Ministry revealed this information in a statement published in state media.
According to the ministry, two suspects involved in supporting and supplying the two alleged suicide bombers were arrested on Thursday. Additionally, nine other individuals believed to be part of a network assisting the bombers were apprehended in six provinces. Iranian officials have stated that the two bombers had ties to Daesh, also known as ISIS.
On Thursday, Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombings via a message posted on social media. The ministry declared that the operation to capture those linked to the attack will continue until the last person involved in supporting the criminals is arrested.
The twin explosions in Kerman resulted in the deaths of at least 89 people and left over 200 injured, according to Iranian officials cited by the Islamic Republic News Agency. The blasts occurred as thousands of mourners had gathered to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the death of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, a senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020.
Authorities have disclosed that one of the suicide bombers was a Tajik citizen, while the nationality of the other has yet to be definitively established. Officials reported the discovery of two explosive vests, two remote control devices and detonators, and several thousand bullets and wiring for the vests, among other items, at the residence of the two bombers.
The Washington Post has not been able to independently verify the account provided by the Intelligence Ministry.
In summary, Iranian authorities have arrested 11 individuals linked to the bomb blasts in Kerman. The bombings occurred during a commemoration event for Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani’s death, resulting in the loss of 89 lives and injuring over 200 people. The suicide bombers allegedly had connections to Daesh. The investigation and efforts to apprehend all individuals involved in supporting the attackers will continue.