IRNA � The number of the people who were killed in the terrorist incident in Iran's southern city of Ahvaz on Saturday morning has reached 24, according to an informed source.

With the wounded in critical condition, the death toll is expected to rise, the source said.

More than 53 people were wounded in the incident and were taken to various hospitals in Ahvaz to be treated, he added.

He went on to say a number of civilians, including women and children, who were watching the military parade, were among those killed.

The terror attack took place during the parade of military units which was held on the occasion of the beginning of the Sacred Defense Week; a nationwide ceremony to mark the anniversary of Iraq�s eight years of imposed war against Iran under the country's former dictator Saddam.