The funeral ritual of the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Iran, which took place on Friday, January 5, evolved into a somber occasion to say goodbye to the deceased and honor the Iranian’s fortitude in the face of hardship.
During an anniversary event commemorating four years since General Qassem Soleimani’s assassination, two blasts happened close to his grave in Kerman, causing a disaster. Based on reports by Iran’s Red Crescent, the blasts caused over 200 injuries and 84 fatalities, including three paramedics who bravely raced to the spot after the first blast. At least twelve citizens of Afghanistan were among the dead, in addition to forty-four women and children.
The seriousness of the situation was highlighted when Iran announced Thursday to be a National Day of Mourning across the country.
The Iranian leader promised in a statement that anyone responsible for the terrorist act will face a severe penalty.
Declaring that two of its militants had set off bomb belts in the packed graveyard, ISIS took credit for the horrific deed.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke during a large march honoring General Soleimani during the funeral ceremony in Kerman. Raisi denounced the brutal murder while underscoring Iran’s resilience and the military’s unchanging dominance in the country. He emphasized the country’s standing as a strong and valiant force, propelled by General Soleimani’s heritage.
“Our powerful military have shown the unwavering power of the Islamic Republic, and they will decide the time and place for our response,” Raisi said.
Raisi praised the hard work of the deceased General Soleimani in growing the resistance force in the area and called on authorities and the people to band together against foreign challenges. He clarified further about the Palestinian Resistance’s victorious resistance against the Israeli occupation, demonstrating that the sacrifice of Soleimani cannot be overlooked in conjunction with today’s accomplishments.
Unity Against Threats
Major General Hossein Salami, the Iranian Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), stressed Iran’s dedication to exacting revenge on its martyrs in another speech.
He emphasized the enemy’s setbacks in several areas and the crucial part General Soleimani performed in stopping terrorist activities. Salami emphasized Iran’s ongoing military operations while expressing optimism in securing further successes.
At the burial location, which served as the victims’ last resting place, the funeral ceremony came to an end. A loud cry for justice and a shared resolve to overcome hardships rounded out the rituals. The devastating attack in Kerman has irrevocably changed the town and given Iranians a newfound feeling of fortitude and camaraderie.
Similar burial rites have been held in other Iranian cities, expressing a profound time of national resilience and solidarity in sharing Kerman’s loss.
Following Friday prayer, people congregated in Tehran’s capital to express their grief for the victims. The event evolved into a chance to grieve and pay tribute to martyr Faezeh Rahimi, a student majoring in education who was killed in the Kerman bombings. Her body was brought to Tehran and interred here.
People in other Iranian cities also staged protests in the streets, calling for a decisive answer to the heartbreaking attack.
