The death toll from a missile strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran has risen to nearly 150, according to Iranian state media.
Mizan news agency, the official outlet of Iran’s judiciary, reported that Saturday’s strike on an elementary school in Minab killed 148 people and wounded 95 others, citing local prosecutor Ebrahim Taheri.
The school, hit on Saturday morning, appears to be the deadliest single incident so far in the ongoing U.S.- and Israeli-led bombing campaign against Iran.
Verified video and photos from the scene show hundreds of people gathered around the partially collapsed, smoking building, with rubble scattered across the street as men search for victims. Screams can be heard in the background, and images show schoolbags and textbooks being pulled from the debris.
Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said the U.S. is “aware of reports of civilian harm from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them.”
The school building appears to be next to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps barracks.
Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesperson for Iran’s health ministry, said in a social media post that the school bombing was “the most bitter news” of the conflict so far, adding, “God knows how many more children’s bodies they will pull from under the rubble.”
Restrictions on international reporting in Iran have prevented the Guardian and other independent media from accessing the site or independently verifying the death toll.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education advocate Malala Yousafzai said in a statement: “They were girls who went to school to learn, with hopes and dreams for their future. Today, their lives were brutally cut short. Justice and accountability must follow. All states and parties must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and safeguard schools.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the reported school bombing in Iran designed to cover a range of questions from basic to more detailed
Basic Information Facts
1 What happened
A bombing targeted a school in Iran resulting in a significant loss of life Initial reports indicate the death toll has risen to nearly 150 people
2 Where and when did this happen
The attack reportedly took place at a school in the city of The incident occurred recently with casualty figures being updated over the following hours and days
3 Who was affected
The victims are primarily believed to be students teachers and school staff Attacks on educational institutions disproportionately impact children and young people
4 Who is responsible for the bombing
As of now no group or individual has officially claimed responsibility Investigations by Iranian authorities are ongoing Different sources may report conflicting claims so its important to follow updates from verified news outlets
Context Impact
5 Why is this attack particularly shocking
Attacks on schools are widely considered a severe violation of international humanitarian law They target some of the most vulnerable in societychildrenin a place meant to be safe for learning and growth
6 How does the death toll compare to other recent attacks
A reported death toll of nearly 150 would make this one of the deadliest single attacks on a school in recent memory representing a catastrophic event for the local community and the country
7 What has been the international response
International organizations like the UN and UNICEF along with various national governments have typically condemned such attacks in the strongest terms calling for protection of civilians and schools in conflict zones The specific statements for this event would be issued by these bodies
Advanced Practical Questions
8 What is collateral damage in the context of such attacks
Collateral damage is a military term for unintended casualties or destruction In an attack on a school there is no legitimate military target so the term is often criticized as inappropriate as the damage is not collateral but direct and intentional against a civilian object
9 What international laws protect schools from attack
Schools are protected under
