Mysterious twin blasts at four-year memorial for terror chief, assassinated by Americans, kill scores in Iran

Everyone was wondering how the Jihadis would retaliate for the assassination of Hamas terror leader Saleh Al-Arouri, but they didn’t expect that there would be an even more emphatic New Year’s message to the Jihadi forces. Twin blasts greeted celebrants at the graveside of Qassem Soleimani in Kerman, Iran. A first and then a second blast hit the crowded cemetery.

There are believed to be two explosive device detonated by remote control. The terror attack is believed to be another in a series in previous memorials to Soleimani claimed by ISIS/ISIL, mortal enemies of the terror leaders. One might call it an internal squabble among arch-terrorists and death cults.

Speaking of which: the Lebanese Hezbollah movement has vowed to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of al-Arouri in Beirut. The strike, which also killed two al-Qassam Brigades commanders and four others, has been condemned by Hezbollah as a serious assault on Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. The group’s stern warning that “this crime will never pass without response and punishment” suggests imminent retaliatory acts​​. Today Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to speak at the memorial of Soleimani in Beirut. His words are being carefully watched for any sign of major escalation, so far avoided.

Hezbollah’s immediate response involved attacking a group of Israeli soldiers near the Marj vicinity with missiles, marking the first cross-border fire from the group since Arouri’s killing. Additionally, Israeli military sources have indicated a heightened state of readiness, with Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari mentioning that Israel is prepared for any scenario, both in defense and offense. The country is particularly bracing for potential long-range ballistic missile strikes by Hezbollah, as reported by Axios​​​​.

The assassination of Arouri and its aftermath represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, extending beyond Gaza’s borders and involving regional terror actors. The situation is particularly tense as Nasrallah, had previously stated that any assassination on Lebanese soil would be met with a decisive response.

As the international community watches closely, the repercussions of this assassination and the subsequent threats of retaliation are likely to have far-reaching implications for the fragile peace landscape in the Middle East. The coming days are crucial as both sides assess their next moves in a high-stakes environment of heightened alertness and readiness for conflict.

Hezbollah and Hamas have a range of options for retaliation, from minimal to maximal. On the minimal end, they might engage in political posturing and fiery rhetoric without direct military action. Moderately, they could increase border skirmishes or launch limited rocket attacks. Maximally, they might execute coordinated, large-scale military operations or terror attacks, potentially extending their reach internationally, as seen in past incidents like attacks in Argentina. Arrests of Jihadis with fake passports in Argentina in recent days raises suspicions that this is a likely course.

Today’s explosions in Iran add another row on the long ledger sheet of revenge between the West and the Mullahs as well as their terror proxies.

Qasem Suleimani, a major general in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and commander of the Quds Force, was killed on January 3, 2020, by a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. This strike, ordered by President Donald Trump, significantly escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Suleimani was considered one of the most powerful figures in Iran and had a crucial role in shaping Iranian foreign policy and military strategy in the region. His death led to massive mourning in Iran and widespread condemnation from Iranian officials, who vowed severe retaliation. The assassination was seen as a pivotal moment in U.S.-Iran relations and heightened the risk of broader conflict in the Middle East.