About 95 people were killed in two explosions close to where Iranian military leader Maj Gen Qassem Suleimani is buried, state media reported on Wednesday. Supporters had gathered to mark four years since his and others' assassination by the US in Baghdad.
The back-to-back explosions, which took place about 700 metres from the Saheb Al Zaman mosque in Kerman, central Iran, where the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander is buried, injured at least 211, Iran's Tasnim news agency said.
“The second explosion was one kilometre away from the shrine and was outside the path of pilgrims and inspection gates,” state media said.
Iran's Health Minister, Bahram Einollahi, told state TV that the earlier death toll of 103 was lowered after some names had been repeated on a list of victims.
The death toll could rise as many of the wounded were in critical condition.
Footage showed medical teams tending to injured people near the mosque, where thousands had come to mourn.
The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported that two bombs were placed near the entrance to the tomb.
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said those behind the attack would face action, without specifically accusing anyone.
“Undoubtedly, the perpetrators … of this cowardly act will soon be identified and punished for their heinous act by the capable security and law enforcement forces,” a statement from the President said.
“The enemies of the nation should know that such actions can never disrupt the solid determination of the Iranian nation.”
His comments were echoed by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian supreme leader, who said those responsible “will be the definite target of repression and just punishment from now on”.
“Let them know that this disaster will have a harsh response,” he said in a statement carried by Irna state news agency.
“The hard-hearted criminals could not tolerate the love and enthusiasm of the people to visit the shrine of their great commander Qassem Suleimani. Let them know that the soldiers of Suleimani will not tolerate their crime.”
“This terrorist act will be followed by a powerful and crushing response from the security and military apparatuses in the shortest possible time,” said Iran's Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi.
“The incident is a terrorist attack,” Rahman Jalali, the deputy governor of Kerman province, earlier told state TV.
The senior adviser to Iran's President blamed Israel and the US for the twin blasts.
“Washington says USA and Israel had no role in terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran. Really? A fox smells its own lair first,” Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X.
“Make no mistake. The responsibility for this crime lies with the US and Zionist regimes and terrorism is just a tool.”
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the explosions.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said it was too early to say what could have caused the explosions, but stressed that the US was not involved in “any way” and that there was “no reason to believe” Israel had any role.
The UAE said it "strongly condemned the terrorist attack" in Kerman. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extended condolences to the Iranian government and people.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it rejected and condemned “the terrorist bombings that targeted civilians” in Iran.
The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell offered his condolences to Iran.
Mr Borrell spoke to Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian “to convey condolences following the horrific bombings today in Kerman that killed dozens of civilians”, the EU's foreign policy chief said on social media.
“I condemned this terrorist attack in the strongest terms and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people,” he said.
Qassem Suleimani
Maj Gen Suleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3, 2020, sending regional tensions soaring and prompting a flurry of rocket attacks on Iraqi military bases where US troops are stationed.
American drones fired three missiles at the convoy as it left Baghdad Airport.
Maj Gen Suleimani was killed, as were the Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis and several aides.
The assassination occurred during a long-running, low-level conflict between pro-Tehran militias and the US. It sparked fears of a direct military confrontation between the two.
The US said at the time that Maj Gen Suleimani was planning imminent action against US personnel in Iraq.
Five days after the killing, Iran fired missiles at an airbase in Iraq housing US troops and another near Erbil in the north, injuring several US troops.
The US military in Iraq has since regularly come under attack from rockets, drones and roadside bombs.
Iranian proxies in Iraq, who have escalated attacks since the start of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7, have called for the expulsion of US troops from Iraq.
Maj Gen Suleimani was the architect of Iran’s regional military activities and proxy groups.
He is revered as a national icon among supporters of Iran’s theocracy.
Maj Gen Suleimani helped establish several Iraqi Shiite militias and played a crucial role in raising support for Syrian President Bashar Al Assad's government after the 2011 uprisings against him turned into a civil war that escalated into a regional conflict.
He also maintained co-operation with Hamas as well as the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Before the anniversary, Iranians erected huge billboards in the streets commemorating the commander.
In Tehran, one billboard showed Maj Gen Suleimani kissing his mother's hand, while another portrayed him in uniform on a military front line. Hundreds of mourners marched to the cemetery in Kerman.
On Tuesday, Iran’s permanent mission to the UN, said Iran reserves its “legitimate right under international law to pursue legal proceedings to hold accountable and bring to justice perpetrators” of Maj Gen Suleimani’s killing.
Iraqis mourn 'leaders of victory'
In neighbouring Iraq, where Maj Gen Suleimani was killed alongside the militia leader Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis, some Iraqis have been mourning the death of the two men since Tuesday.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Wednesday praised the two as the “leaders of the victory” over ISIS for their role in coordinating operations between Shiite militias against the Sunni extremist group.
After meeting with their families to mark the anniversary, Mr Al Sudani said in a statement: “We recalled, with great respect, the generous sacrifice of the leaders of the victory and their comrades.
“They gave their lives and blood for the security and stability of Iraq,” said the prime minister, who came to power with the support of Iran-backed militias.
Mr Al Sudani did not mention the role played by the US-led coalition against ISIS in the war to destroy the group or as being behind the assassination.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Muhsin Al Mandalawi and senior military officials, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces Lt Gen Abdul Amir Yarllah joined militia leaders in trampling upon the US flag when visiting Najaf cemetery in southern Iraq to pay their respects to Mr Al Muhandis.
Iran-backed militia groups commemorated the assassination late on Tuesday through the night until dawn on Wednesday.
Hundreds of militiamen, many of them in uniform, gathered at the spot where the missiles hit the convoy on the airport road. Life-size statues of Maj Gen Suleimani and Mr Al Muhandis were unveiled.
The mourners lit candles and placed flowers next to pictures of the two men, while some waved the Iraqi national flag and the flag of the umbrella organisation for Iran-backed militias in Iraq, known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).
Some chanted anti-US slogans and vowed for revenge.
Addressing the crowd, PMF leader Faleh Al Fayadh said both men were “murdered by the treacherous American criminal”.
“We will not forget this crime and we will not stop mentioning it,” Mr Al Fayadh said.
“God willing, Iraq will be liberated from this rebellious group … these troops must leave,” he added, referring to US troops.
The Iraqi government condemned the Kerman explosions as “terrorist attacks”, expressing “solidarity with Iran, both government and the people, while facing this tragic incident”.
In a statement, Yemen's Houthis extended their “deepest condolences and sympathy” to Iran, saying the “heinous crime is an extension to all the crimes that attempted to undermine the Islamic Republic”.
Holly Johnston and Willy Lowry contributed to this report
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
'Saand Ki Aankh'
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Second leg:
Monday, Azizi Stadium, Tehran. Kick off 7pm
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
What%20is%20cystic%20fibrosis%3F
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ECystic%20fibrosis%20is%20a%20genetic%20disorder%20that%20affects%20the%20lungs%2C%20pancreas%20and%20other%20organs.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIt%20causes%20the%20production%20of%20thick%2C%20sticky%20mucus%20that%20can%20clog%20the%20airways%20and%20lead%20to%20severe%20respiratory%20and%20digestive%20problems.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPatients%20with%20the%20condition%20are%20prone%20to%20lung%20infections%20and%20often%20suffer%20from%20chronic%20coughing%2C%20wheezing%20and%20shortness%20of%20breath.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ELife%20expectancy%20for%20sufferers%20of%20cystic%20fibrosis%20is%20now%20around%2050%20years.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
SEMI-FINAL
Monterrey 1
Funes Mori (14)
Liverpool 2
Keita (11), Firmino (90 1)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sav%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Purvi%20Munot%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24750%2C000%20as%20of%20March%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SQUADS
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Gamage
Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Nigel Llong (ENG)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
ICC match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
The%20Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELamborghini%20LM002%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205.2-litre%20V12%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20450hp%20at%206%2C800rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%20at%204%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFive-speed%20manual%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%209%20seconds%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYears%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201986-93%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20vehicles%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20328%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue%20today%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24300%2C000%2B%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
MATCH INFO
Who: France v Italy
When: Friday, 11pm (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Sevilla v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad (7.15pm)
Eibar v Valencia (9.30pm)
Atletico Madrid v Alaves (11.45pm)
Sunday
Girona v Getafe (3pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7.15pm)
Las Palmas v Espanyol (9.30pm)
Barcelona v Deportivo la Coruna (11.45pm)
Monday
Malaga v Real Betis (midnight)
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Pathaan
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Siddharth%20Anand%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shah%20Rukh%20Khan%2C%20Deepika%20Padukone%2C%20John%20Abraham%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hoopla%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jacqueline%20Perrottet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20required%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
