A suicide attack yesterday killed 22 people and wounded 160 in the Iranian city of Zahedan, head of the Sistan-Baluchestan Province Ali Mohammad Azad was quoted as saying by IRINN.
Many of the wounded are in critical condition, he added.
According to the IRNA news agency, twin explosions were heard outside the Zahedan Jame Mosque late yesterday afternoon, RIA Novosti reported.
The Jundallah (Soldiers of God) Sunni militant group claimed responsibility for the blasts, calling them a response to the execution of their leader Abdolmalek Rigi, who was arrested by Iranian security forces Feb. 23, the Dubai TV channel Al-Arabiya reported.
They said the attacks were carried out by two suicide bombers - Rigi's relatives - and targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) located near the mosque.
"Jundallah declares that the explosions were carried out by Abdolbaset Riga and Riga Mohammad ... and warns of future similar operations, "Al-Arabiya reported.
Jundallah has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks in Iran. The group has carried out mass murders, armed robberies, kidnappings, acts of sabotage and bombings, the Iranian government reports.
In an attack Oct.18, over 40 Iranians died in Pishin, located in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan.