9 killed including 2 children after bike-borne men open fire at Iran protests

Nine people were shot dead by assailants on motorcycles, in two separate incidents in southern Iran. Those who died include a mother and two children, the state media reported. Iran has seen protests and unrest since September 16 after the custodial death of Mahsa Amini. The clerical leadership has termed these attacks as an act of terrorism.

Three suspects were arrested and the hunt was on for others after Wednesday's first attack on protesters and security forces in Izeh, said a senior judicial official in Khuzestan province.

In a separate attack four hours later in Iran's third largest city Isfahan, two assailants on a motorcycle fired automatic weapons at Basij paramilitary force members, killing two and wounding two others, Fars news agency reported.


The attacks occurred as protests over the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini intensified on the third anniversary of bloody unrest over fuel price hikes.

Three individuals have been detained in response to the first assault on protesters and security personnel in Izeh, on 16th Nov.



The official IRNA news agency stated that "two injured persons died in the morning on November 17, raising the death toll to seven dead and eight wounded." A 45-year-old mother and two children, ages 9 and 13, were among the fatalities, according to a representative of the Jondishapour hospital in Ahvaz, the province capital.

IRNA said that "a terrorist group took advantage of a gathering of protesters in front of the community's principal market to start a fire on residents and security personnel."

According to Mr. Valiollah Hayati, Khuzestan's deputy governor for security, the attackers, who were on two motorbikes, opened fire at a major market in Izeh at approximately 5.30 p.m. (1400 GMT), killing five people and injuring ten others, according to state media.

FAQs:

1. What country is Iran fighting with?
   Saudi Arabia—it is the continuous conflict between both countries.
2. Who is Iran's closest pal?
   Syria. Iran and Syria work together strategically. Despite the Arab nationalism ideology of Syria's ruling Baath party, Syria is frequently referred to as Iran's "closest ally."