Tehran: Unraveling the Kerman City Bombings: IS-K Claims Responsibility

In a tragic turn of events, twin suicide bombings rocked Kerman city on January 3, claiming the lives of at least 95 people gathered to commemorate the death of Qassem Soleimani. The Iranian government swiftly attributed the attacks to ethnic-Tajik fighters affiliated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K), emphasizing their pivotal role in the extremist group’s military activities.

IS-K, based in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility for the bombings, marking a brutal retaliation for Soleimani’s death in a U.S. drone attack in January 2020. The terrorist organization, though described as “fairly small” in numbers, appears to wield significant influence, especially through its ethnic-Tajik fighters.

Amidst the aftermath, Iranian authorities, including President Ebrahim Raisi and IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, pointed fingers at Israel and the United States. Notably, these allegations were made without providing any concrete evidence to support the claims. The swift accusation against external actors raises questions about the geopolitical complexities surrounding the region.

The Kerman city bombings underscore the ongoing threat posed by IS-K and its ability to carry out devastating attacks. As investigations continue, the international community watches closely, grappling with the challenges of addressing terrorism in a complex and politically charged landscape. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for global cooperation in combating extremist forces that transcend borders.