Condemnations pour in following terrorist attack at Gen. Soleimani’s burial site
Wednesday, 03 January 2024 5:00 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 03 January 2024 7:23 PM ]The photo shows the aftermath of a bombing attack in Iran’s southeastern city of Kerman on January 3, 2024. (Photo by Fars News Agency)Heads of state and leaders of resistance groups in the region have offered condolences to Iran over the twin deadly blasts that rocked the country's southeastern city of Kerman on Wednesday.
At least 103 people were killed and 188 more injured in the terror attack targeting the burial site of General Qassem Soleimani in Kerman during a ceremony marking his fourth martyrdom anniversary.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered deep condolences to Iran’s leadership over the tragic incident.
Putin condemned "terrorism in all its forms" and said the attack on peaceful people was "shocking in its cruelty and cynicism."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also offered condolences to the “friendly and brotherly” people of Iran over the “heinous terror attack.”
"We are deeply saddened by the heinous terrorist attacks carried out in the Kerman province of Iran. I wish God's mercy to those who lost their lives in the attacks and a speedy recovery to those who were injured," Erdogan said on X.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement also condemned the “cowardly attack.”
“Such an evil attack against the innocent people will increase cohesion among the Islamic Ummah and their adherence to the resistance, of which martyr Soleimani will always be one of the symbols.”
The political bureau of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement also strongly condemned the attack, which it called “criminal.”
The movement said the incident was part of enemies' attempts to undermine Iran's role in the anti-arrogance movement and weaken its support for the cause of the Islamic Ummah and the resistance.
Ansarullah stressed that Iran is stronger than all the conspiracies hatched against it and that efforts of the US and the Zionist regime to foment insecurity in Iran will be thwarted with the help of God Almighty.
Seyyed Ammar Hakim, the leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement, strongly condemned the terror attack and offered his deepest sympathies to the Iranian people.
He also urged the international community to join hands to combat terrorism to promote stability and security worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi government also said it condemns the terrorist attack and offered any help needed "to alleviate the impact of this cowardly criminal act."
Azerbaijan also condemned the attack and offered sympathies to the bereaved families of victims.
“As a country deeply suffered from terrorism, Azerbaijan condemns all its forms & manifestations,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its X account.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani also strongly condemned the terrorist blasts.
Deeply saddened to learn about the huge loss of lives in terrorist attacks in Kerman. Pakistan condemns this heinous act and stands in solidarity with Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian Government and people at this difficult time @raisi_com
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) January 3, 2024“Pakistan strongly condemns the inhuman terrorist attacks in Kerman, that claimed several innocent lives. Sincere condolences to Gov. & people of Iran. Our heart goes out to families of victims. We stand in solidarity with Iran at this hour of grief."
The twin blasts were also denounced by the European Union.
"The EU condemns in the strongest terms today's bombing... This act of terror has exacted a shocking toll of civilian deaths and injuries," an EU statement said. “Perpetrators must be held accountable."
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also "strongly" condemned the twin blasts, his spokesman said.
"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack today on a memorial ceremony in Kerman city in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which reportedly killed more than 100 people and injured many more," the spokesman said.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also vehemently condemned the attack, and expressed the country’s solidarity and support for the Iranian people.
A ministry spokesman reiterated Jordan's strong condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism, particularly when directed at civilians.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah also offered condolences for those killed in the blast, saying they followed the same path of struggle as General Soleimani.
“We offer all of their families our sincerest condolences. They are martyrs on the same path; they are martyrs of the same cause, of the same battle, that was being waged by commander Haj Qassem Soleimani.”
Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, and warned of the “seriousness of this criminal act and the possibility of it destabilizing regional security.”
Oman expressed its sincere condolences to the families of victims, and affirmed its constant stance in condemning all forms of violence and terrorism.
Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani also offered his condolence to the families of victims.
"We offer our condolences to the bereaved families and the noble people of Iran for this tragic tragedy. And we ask the Almighty God for forgiveness and divine grace for the dear martyrs, and for the wounded, a speedy recovery," the Shia cleric further said.
EU Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, strongly condemned the terrorist ac.
Borrell offered his condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Iran, and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.
