Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence released Thursday its second statement announcing the arrest of 35 “suicide terrorist operatives” in connection with January 3 attacks in Kerman, a city in south-central Iran that reportedly killed at least 103 and injured more than 100 people. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have taken responsibility for the attack.

Expressing regret and condolences for the victims, the ministry provided information on the ongoing investigation. Abdullah Tajiki, a Tajikistani, was identified as the main designer and supporter of the operation. Another terrorist, Bazirov “Bouzerov” from Tajikistan, was revealed to have links to the ISIS sect. The first terrorist detonated a suicide vest 700 meters from the Golzar of the martyrs, targeting the grave of General Haj Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian General killed in a US strike. The second suicide bomber reportedly detonated 1000 meters away.

The ministry initiated operations to identify and track down the alleged terrorists, leading to arrests and the discovery of the ISIS team’s home. Explosive devices were allegedly prepared but hidden in the courtyard. The ministry reported that the process of identifying plotters and their connections continues, with 35 arrests across various provinces. The ministry appeared to indicate that they would continue the search beyond the country’s borders and called for Iranian’s continued support in reporting suspicious cases. Cooperation from various entities, including the Information Coordination Council, judicial authorities, security forces and the governor of Kerman, was highlighted for helping secure the alleged terrorists.

In its first announcement regarding the attack on January 5, the ministry expressed deep regret and condolences to the affected families and informed them about the ongoing investigation. Also, Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei had earlier said in a tweet:

The enemy should know the soldiers on Soleimani’s bright path won’t tolerate their vileness & crime. The hands stained with the blood of innocent people & the corrupt, evil minds that misdirected them will definitely be the target of a severe pounding & deserving retribution. The enemies should know that, with God’s permission, perpetrators of this tragedy will be met with a strong response.

A terrorist attack on January 3 involved two blasts at an event in Kerman during a commemoration for the fourth anniversary of the late Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US strike in 2020. The explosions occurred near the cemetery where Soleimani is buried. They killed at least 84 people, including children, and injured many others. The first blast happened at 15:04 local time, followed by a second blast 13 minutes later.

Provincial officials are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. Reports suggest that the attackers used explosive-laden suitcases with remote controllers. Additionally, a stampede ensued, causing further injuries as people panicked after the explosions.