Iran border town rattled as security forces kill fuel traders
The Iranian city of Saravan is reeling after security forces shot several unemployed locals who earn a living by trading untaxed fuel across the Pakistani border.
Chaotic scenes and furious protests rocked the city of Saravan, in Iran’s impoverished southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Feb. 23.
Videos inundated social media showing protesters storming the governor’s office. Outside the building, police cars were set ablaze as security forces tear gassed the crowds. Roads to the city were closed off and internet connections were down in most areas.
The turmoil came after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire at a number of local Baluchis trying to smuggle fuel across the border to Pakistan. According to activist groups, up to 10 people were killed and scores of others were injured in the shooting. Eyewitness accounts heard on the videos put the death toll at over three dozen.
Iranian officials have so far confirmed at least two deaths. Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, offered a different narrative, saying the rounds were fired from the Pakistani side of the border and that Iranian forces were not responsible.
