Mass arrest of Sunni Arab activists in Ahvaz by Iranian security forces
Hengaw – Saturday, June 20, 2026
Iranian government forces have arrested more than 20 Sunni Arab residents in the Kut Abdollah district of Ahvaz and transferred them to undisclosed locations. So far, Hengaw has verified the identities of seven of those detained, while efforts to identify the remaining detainees are ongoing.
According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, agents of Iran’s Intelligence Department carried out a coordinated operation on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, raiding dozens of homes in the Kut Abdollah area of Ahvaz and arresting more than 20 residents.
The identities of seven of the detainees have been confirmed as: Hossein Batrani, 40; Hassan Obaidavi, 50; Mohammad (Abu Aqil) Hezbavi, 36; Abdulrahman Mohammad Hezbavi, 43; Jassem (Abu Majed) Savari, 34; Mohammad Khanfari, 22; and Mohammad Hezbavi, 21.
Raids accompanied by intimidation and house searches
Eyewitnesses reported that armed security forces forcibly entered residential homes without presenting warrants or legal authorization. The raids created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among local families, particularly women and children.
Security forces searched homes, confiscated personal belongings and electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers, and carried out mass arrests.
No information has been released regarding the reasons for the arrests, the charges brought against the detainees, or their whereabouts and conditions.
