Tehran, IRNA- President Ebrahim Raisi has strongly condemned a terrorist attack in the southeastern city of Kerman that killed and wounded hundreds of people, vowing that those responsible for the cowardly act will be identified and punished.

In a message offering condolences to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian nation, and families of the victims, Raisi tasked relevant authorities to take swift measures to attend to those affected by the terrorist attack and restore order to Kerman. 

At least 103 people were killed and 211 others wounded earlier in the day when two blasts went off at Kerman’s Martyrs Cemetery, where thousands of people had gathered to mark the fourth martyrdom anniversary of the Iran’s legendary anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani.

“Undoubtedly, the perpetrators and masterminds of this cowardly act will soon be identified and brought to justice by the capable security and law enforcement forces,” President Raisi said.

“The enemies of the nation must know that such actions can never undermine the unwavering determination and will of the Iranian people to defend the Islamic ideals,” he added.

The president said suck attacks will only add to the Iranian nation’s resolve to eradicate terrorism on the battlefield against the enemies.

Gen. Soleimani was assassinated by a US drone strike near Baghdad’s international airport on January 3, 2021. He originally came from Kerman and is buried at the city’s Martyrs Cemetery.

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