Death Toll in Iran School Bombing Climbs to Nearly 150
According to Iranian state media, the number of fatalities from a missile strike on a girls' elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, has risen to 148, with an additional 95 individuals wounded. The attack, which occurred on Saturday morning, is described as one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing US-Israeli led bombing campaign against Iran.
Official Reports and Verification
Mizan News Agency, the official outlet of Iran's judiciary, cited prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri in confirming the updated casualty figures. Video and photographs from the scene, authenticated and geolocated to the site, depict a partially collapsed building engulfed in smoke, with rubble scattered across the street. Rescue efforts are visible, with men digging through debris to retrieve victims, while screams echo in the background. Disturbing images show schoolbags and textbooks being pulled from the wreckage.
Hossein Kermanpour, spokesperson for Iran's health ministry, expressed profound sorrow in a social media post, labeling the bombing as "the most bitter news" of the conflict. He lamented the uncertainty over how many more children's bodies might be recovered from the rubble.
International Response and Accountability
Capt Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command, acknowledged reports of civilian harm, stating that the US is "aware" and "looking into them." The school building is noted to be adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps barracks, though details on the strike's targeting remain unclear.
Nobel peace prize laureate Malala Yousafzai issued a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing that the victims were girls with hopes and dreams for their future. She called for justice and accountability, urging all parties to uphold international law to protect civilians and safeguard educational institutions.
Challenges in Reporting
Due to restrictions on international reporting in Iran, independent media outlets, including the Guardian, have been unable to access the site in Minab or independently verify the death toll. This has led to reliance on state media and verified visual evidence to piece together the events.
The incident has sparked global outrage, highlighting the devastating impact of military conflicts on civilian populations, particularly children. As investigations continue, the international community watches closely for further developments and calls for transparency in addressing civilian casualties.
