84 dead: Islamic State takes responsibility for terror in Iran

Kerman (Iran) - Following two devastating explosions in the Iranian city of Kerman that left 84 people dead, the so-called "Islamic State" has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack.

After two explosions in the city of Kerman, 84 people died and several were injured.
After two explosions in the city of Kerman, 84 people died and several were injured.  © Sare Tajalli/Iranian Students' News Agency, ISNA/dpa

The terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the devastating attack in the Iranian city of Kerman that left 84 dead.

The group announced this on Thursday via its usual propaganda channels.

According to a state media report, one of the two explosions was caused by a suicide bomber.

This was revealed by the analysis of video surveillance, among other things, the state news agency Irnareported on Telegram on Thursday, citing an unnamed source from the city of Kerman.

Destroyed vehicles bear witness to the extent of the destruction
Destroyed vehicles bear witness to the extent of the destruction  © TASNIM NEWS / AFP
In the minutes after the terror: emergency services care for the wounded
In the minutes after the terror: emergency services care for the wounded  © MEHR NEWS / AFP

Terror attack in Kerman: Many questions still unanswered

It is said to have been the deadliest attack in the 45-year history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It is said to have been the deadliest attack in the 45-year history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.  © Sare Tajalli / ISNA / AFP

The background to the second explosion has not yet been conclusively clarified. A suicide attack is also suspected.

On the fourth anniversary of the death of the powerful Iranian general Ghassem Soleimani, more than 100 people were killed in two powerful explosions in his home town of Kerman, around 820 kilometers south-east of the capital Tehran, near the burial site on Wednesday.

Iran's government called it a terrorist attack. Initially, no group claimed responsibility for the alleged attack.

The German government and the EU condemned the attack as an act of terrorism.

It was the deadliest attack in the approximately 45-year history of the Islamic Republic. Many questions remain unanswered.

First reported on January 4 at 15:33. Last update at 5.34 pm.