ZAHEDAN: Two suicide bombers have killed at least 22 people at a mosque in south-eastern Iran, officials say.
The first bomber blew himself up at a checkpoint outside the Jamia mosque in the city of Zahedan, with a more deadly second blast moments later.
Worshippers and Revolutionary Guards were reportedly among the dead.
The blasts came as worshippers celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
The second blast proved more deadly as it struck people who gathered to help the wounded.
“The two blasts in front of the mosque have left 22 of our dear ones martyred and 160 wounded,” said provincial governor Ali Mohammad Azad.
He said some of the wounded were in a serious condition and warned that the death toll could rise further.
“The [first] attacker, dressed in women’s clothing, was trying to get in the mosque, but was prevented,” local MP Hossein Ali Shahriari told Fars news agency.
“When people came to rescue those hit in that blast, another bomber blew himself up.
Three to four have been killed at least in the first attack.”
Worshippers and Revolutionary Guards were reportedly among the dead.
The blasts came as worshippers celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
The second blast proved more deadly as it struck people who gathered to help the wounded.
“The two blasts in front of the mosque have left 22 of our dear ones martyred and 160 wounded,” said provincial governor Ali Mohammad Azad.
He said some of the wounded were in a serious condition and warned that the death toll could rise further.
“The [first] attacker, dressed in women’s clothing, was trying to get in the mosque, but was prevented,” local MP Hossein Ali Shahriari told Fars news agency.
“When people came to rescue those hit in that blast, another bomber blew himself up.
Three to four have been killed at least in the first attack.”
Source: Agencies