IS claims attack in Iran that killed 84 people | Abroad

According to the message spread through IS propaganda channels, two suicide bombers detonated bomb vests at a gathering of Shiite “polytheists,” Rita Katz, the director of the American surveillance organization SITE Intelligence Group, wrote on LinkedIn.

At least one of the two major explosions in Iran was the work of a suicide bomber, an analysis of surveillance images previously showed. State agency Irna reported this on Thursday via social media based on an unnamed source from the city of Kerman, where the attack took place. The second explosion was also suspected to be a suicide bombing.

On the anniversary of the death of powerful Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in an American drone strike four years ago, two major explosions in his home city of Kerman killed 84 people on Wednesday. The Iranian government spoke of a terrorist attack and the Islamic State has now claimed responsibility for the attack. The European Union condemned the attack as an act of terror. It was the deadliest attack in the Islamic republic’s 45-year history. Iranian authorities have vowed revenge.

Earlier today, IS spokesman Abu Hudhaifa al Ansari also called for attacks in retaliation for the war in Gaza. “O lions of Islam, hunt your prey of Jews, Christians and their allies in the streets and roads of the US, Europe and the world.” A religious battle would rage. Civilian targets and places of worship should be attacked first, the movement believes.