Reporting by PMOI/MEK
Iran, February 24, 2021—The people of different cities in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province held protest rallies and strikes today, protesting the killing of fuel porters and demonstrators in the province’s Saravan county. The protests follow the killing of Baluch fuel porters by Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) forces on Monday at a border crossing near Saravan.
On Wednesday, the people of the Kourin Sarjangal region near Zahedan city protested despite the heavy presence of IRGC forces. Videos and photos posted on social media show heavy clashes between protesters and IRGC forces.
The people are demonstrating in support of the people of Saravan. Despite the dense presence of security forces, the protesters set tires on fire and blocked the road between Kourin and Zahedan. The protesters stood their ground against IRGC forces who opened fire on them.
Security forces were firing on the people from the rooftops of an IRGC base. In response, the protesters attacked and occupied the base, causing the security forces to flee. According to reports, the IRGC has sent dozens of special forces vehicles to Kourin to suppress the protesters.
According to the latest reports security forces across Sistan and Baluchestan are on full alert. In Zahedan, security patrols are circulating across the city.
At the same time, people in several cities across Sistan and Baluchestan have gone on strike in protest to the IRGC’s killing of fuel porters and protesters. In Saravan, the bazar and several shops across the city have shut down.
In Zahedan and Sarbaz, the people have closed their shops. In Sarjangal, there were protest rallies in several places across the city. The people have declared their solidarity with the people of Saravan.
February 24 – Kurin Sarjangal, southeast #Iran
Voice says regime officials are dispatching security forces to quell the brave protesters in Kurin Sarjangal.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/BUSZ0KQpAK— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 24, 2021
On Monday, repressive Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) forces in the Saravan border area, Sistan & Baluchestan province, opened fire on a group of Baluch fuel porters, killing and injuring several people. Images and videos posted on social media showed dense presence of IRGC forces along with heavy artillery and tanks. The IRGC had dug deep ditches at border crossings to prevent the commute of fuel porters.
The porters held a protest rally and demanded the border crossing to be reopened. The IRGC forces responded by opening fire on them.
According to reports from locals, at least nine civilians were killed and dozens injured in the clashes. The IRGC used heavy machine guns to fire on the porters and set several of their vehicles ablaze. The security forces later opened fire on a village that was near the area the incident took place, causing all residents to flee.
February 24 – Kurin Sarjangal, southeast #Iran
Brave protesters taking down a bunker in an IRGC base where IRGC members stationed to shoot at locals.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/FD0v0eDoF6— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 24, 2021
