PARIS: The number of casualties from a deadly strike targeting a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran has climbed to 148, with nearly 100 others reported injured, according to Al Jazeera.
Iranian authorities said the attack struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in the city of Minab, located in Hormozgan, killing more than 100 people. However, both United States and Israel stated they had not confirmed carrying out such a strike.
Israel’s military said Sunday it had no knowledge of any operation involving a school in Iran. Military spokesperson Lt-Col Nadav Shoshani stated, “At this point not aware of an Israeli or an American strike there… We’re operating in an extremely accurate manner.”
Later, The New York Times cited a spokesperson from United States Central Command (CENTCOM) saying: “We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them.”
“The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimise the risk of unintended harm.”
Images and videos from the aftermath — verified and geolocated to the site — showed crowds gathered around a partially collapsed building, smoke rising from the debris as rescuers searched for survivors. Schoolbags and textbooks were reportedly recovered from the rubble, while cries could be heard in the background. Photographs were distributed by AFP.
The Norway-based human rights organization Hengaw reported that the school was holding morning classes at the time, with around 170 students present.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai condemned the incident, stating, “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.”
