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Iran: Uncertainty After Deadly Blast at Arms Depot

Categories: Middle East & North Africa, Iran, Citizen Media, Governance, Politics, War & Conflict

A huge explosion [1] at a military base near Iran's capital Tehran, killed at least 17 soldiers including one high-ranking Revolutionary Guard official on November 12, 2011.

According to official sources the blast occurred when weapons were being moved inside a Revolutionary Guards depot. Windows in nearby buildings were shattered and the blast was heard in Tehran, 40 km (25 miles) away.

Image by takseda1385.blogspot.com [2]

Image by takseda1385.blogspot.com

Several Iranian bloggers reacted to this explosion amid rising tension between Iran and Israel [3] on its nuclear program.

Na Aram writes [4] [fa] that the blast made several buildings tremble in Tehran.

Tahririeh Khamoush published [2] a photo of the explosion and writes [5] [fa]:

The blast happened at the same time at three different military bases, but the Revolutionary Guards just want to say it was one explosion… Do not forget Malarad [where official reports say the blast occurred] is a depot for Shahab 3 [6] missiles.

Ta Azadi writes [7] [fa]:

We've lost lives before a war has even started. Instead of frightening the enemy they [the Revolutionary Guard] has panicked our people. I am afraid if war breaks out, what will we do with these people who so easily lost these lives?… and nobody takes responsibility.

Harfayi az tahe del says [8] [fa]:

Today's explosions are very suspicious and the Islamic Republic does not inform us in an appropriate way. There were three explosions and it is very hard to imagine them happening accidentally.

Mola Hassani writes [9] [fa]:

They who can not protect their own weapons depot, how could they defend the nuclear facilities from being attacked?