The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) a Sunni jihadist group with a particularly violent ideology is claiming responsibility for the bombing attacks that tragically resulted in the deaths of 84 people.
The attacks targeted a procession honouring Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Qassem Soleimani was a prominent Iranian military officer who served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He was born on March 11, 1957, and served Iran from 1979 until his assassination on January 3, 2020. Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force, a division of the IRGC responsible for extraterritorial and clandestine military operations.
He played a significant role in military operations across the Middle East. His influence extended beyond Iran’s borders, with involvement in the Iran–Iraq War, the Syrian Civil War, and the fight against ISIS, among other conflicts. He was assassinated by a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport, which marked a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran.
It was the deadliest attack in the country since a 1978 arson incident. Iran observed a day of mourning following the blasts. ISIS claimed to have orchestrated the double suicide bomber attack at the memorial for the deceased Iranian military official. This event has caused significant grief and outrage, and it marks a severe act of violence in the region.