ISIS: Islamic State Proudly Claims Responsibility for Deadly Iran Attack

The Islamic extremist terrorist organization, the Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the explosion that occurred in Iran.

According to Reuters and other sources, IS announced on the 4th (local time) through Telegram that the massive explosion that occurred the previous day at the tomb of former commander Qasem Soleimani, located in the southeastern city of Kerman in Iran was a bomb attack carried out by two IS members. IS explained the reason for the attack saying “Our proud warriors attacked the site where Shia heretics gathered to mark the 4th anniversary of Soleimani’s death,” and “We will carry out attacks on heretics whenever we get the chance.”

The accident that day, which killed more than 100 people and injured more than 200, is the largest-scale human disaster in Iran since the 2000s. Immediately after the accident, the Iranian government identified Israel and the United States as likely behind the explosion and warned of a corresponding retaliation. The United States has repeatedly denied Iran’s claims, but Iran’s suspicions have not subsided raising concerns about a potential escalation of war in the Middle East.

IS, which follows Sunni Islam, has long conflicted with Iran, which follows Shia Islam. Sunnis, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, and IS, argue that the leader of Islam should be chosen through community consensus. On the other hand, Shias, including Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, argue that the leader should be succeeded through bloodlines.

Iran, which considers itself a stronghold of Shia, has been a target of IS for the past decade and has suffered several large and small attacks by IS. In June 2017, IS members broke into Tehran and carried out a terrorist attack, killing 18 civilians.

By. Min Gyun Jung