Civilian Death Toll Surpasses 200 in Iran Amid US-Israeli Airstrikes and Regime Crackdown
At least 200 civilians have been killed since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran last weekend, according to human rights groups. People inside Iran have expressed fear over a rising death toll as authorities issue warnings and restrict movements.
Conflicting Reports on Casualty Figures
The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated that at least 555 people have been killed across Iran. However, the Norway-based human rights group Hengaw provided a higher estimate in its latest update, reporting the death toll on day three had reached at least 1,500. This includes 200 civilians and 1,300 members of the Iranian forces.
Hengaw expressed concern about the increasing number of civilian deaths, with the highest fatalities recorded in Hormozgan province in southern Iran. A missile strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab over the weekend reportedly killed more than 150 people, including children.
Regime Warnings and Restrictions on Movement
Amid ongoing joint US-Israeli strikes across several Iranian cities, residents have received alerts and messages from authorities on their mobile phones. In Sanandaj, the capital of Iranian Kurdistan, messages from the intelligence organisation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any public movement or presence in the streets would be deemed a "direct cooperation with the enemy."
The messages stated this was intended to avert "terrorist actions and street unrest," described as the next steps in the "enemy's plan." Similar texts have been reported in other cities, with IranWire, an exiled Iranian news media, also noting warnings against "any movement."
Civilian Struggles and Communication Blackouts
A student based in Tehran described the challenges: "The regime has shut down the internet again, and we are all trying to connect with each other to see how we can help weaken this regime and avenge our compatriots. Tehran is being bombed so heavily, it's impossible to know when, where, and how we can protest because the streets are quickly turning dangerous. We don't know where the IRGC hideouts are, and that's a huge risk for us ordinary people."
Despite a near-total internet blackout, some individuals managed to make calls to relatives abroad or send text messages. Civilians in contact with human rights groups reported that in Mahabad, electricity was completely cut off on Monday after US-Israeli airstrikes. In Urmia, a prisoner informed a family member that everything was under control in the prison, with no executions on Monday, and windows had been taped to reduce the sound of nearby explosions.
Regime Tactics and Civilian Risks
Hiwa Bahrami, head of the department of foreign relations of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, accused the regime of "deliberately establishing military bases and deploying its forces within populated regions, putting civilians at significant risk" in many areas, including Iranian Kurdistan.
Civilians in Tehran are striving to flee to smaller cities as strikes intensify. Matin, a former journalist based in Tehran, shared his fears: "We want freedom and for the IRGC to pay for every drop of blood our families have sacrificed. But since this morning, the videos I've seen are breaking my heart. Who will bring back those who die from incoming bombs? I blame the regime, but I'm also scared US attacks will kill the innocent. Seeing my beloved city in this state is not something I can celebrate. I'm really worried for the children of this country."
Public Sentiment and Desperation
Zhila, a film-maker in Tehran, reflected on the situation: "Our young don't have a future here due to sanctions and restrictions that have crippled the economy, all while the regime gets rich. Despite this, I hoped we could bring this regime down. We tried everything, so even if I'm against this war, I don't believe we have an option but to seek help. How many die is killing me inside, but how many were killed by the regime is still fresh on our minds. We've become so numb after what we saw in January that now we're in a strange state of mind."
