Heavy Weapons Used Against Migrant Group
Iranian border guards opened fire on a group of Afghan migrants crossing into Sistan-Baluchestan province on September 8, killing six people and injuring five others, rights group Haalvsh reported Tuesday.
The incident occurred in Golshan district, where about 120 Afghan nationals, including women, children, and the elderly, came under attack. Haalvsh said Iranian forces used both light arms and a DShK heavy machine gun without giving any warning.
Casualties and Detentions
According to the group, five bodies were left at the scene, while one injured migrant lost a leg to gunfire. Three of the wounded remain in critical condition in Saravan Hospital.
Border forces also detained around 40 other migrants following the incident.
Rights Groups Condemn Attack
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) condemned the shooting, calling it a violation of fundamental rights.
HRANA highlighted the direct targeting of unarmed migrants with heavy weapons, the denial of timely medical care, and mass detentions as breaches of international law.
Pattern of Violence on the Border
Haalvsh noted that similar incidents have taken place before. In October 2024, Iranian guards opened fire on Afghan migrants, leaving dozens dead, injured, or missing.
HRANA’s monitoring further revealed that in 2024 alone, Iranian security forces shot 484 civilians, killing 163 and wounding 321.
