The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces opened fire on a group of kolbars in the northwestern Qandil Mountain region, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.
The attack on the cross border porters happened in the early hours of Tuesday.
Kian Zini, a 19-year-old kolbar from Sardasht in West Azerbaijan province, was killed in the assault.
At least three other kolbars sustained severe injuries and were subsequently transported to medical facilities for treatment.
The injured have been identified as Keyvan Qaderi, Peyman Peyman, and an individual known by the nickname “Diyar.”
According to the Hengaw human rights organization, the IRGC forces, positioned at elevated points in the Qandil mountain range, fired upon the kolbars from close range.
All affected individuals are said to be residents of the village of Rahsheh Remi in Sardasht of West Azerbaijan Province.
Kolbars are porters who haul goods on their backs and feet over long distances across Iran’s borders, mainly in the impoverished, mountainous Kurdish areas adjacent to Iraq.
According to the Kolbar News website, a total of 85 kolbars lost their lives while transporting goods in the western provinces of West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, and Kermanshah between March and September 2023.
The causes of their deaths include direct fire by military forces, blizzards, cold weather, and falls from mountains and heights.
Source » iranwire