Bombing Strikes Iranian Parade, Kills 10

A bomb struck a military parade in Iran today, killing 10 and wounding 57, most of them women and children, according to the provincial governor. On the state-run Press TV, authorities blamed the attack on “terrorists” who opposed the 1979 Islamic revolution, and who “have always carried out such brutal acts to take revenge on the people.” But provincial officials told the AP that the bomb was likely the work of Kurdish separatists.

The attack hit the city of Mahabad, which is close to both the Iraq and Turkish border, and holds major symbolism for Iran’s Kurds, according to the LA Times. The Times identifies the attack as a suicide bombing, but Iranian radio said the bomb was actually a timed device planted in a bush near the parade route. The parade was being held to commemorate the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. (More Iran stories.)