May 2024: Thirteen Kurdish Kolbars Killed and Injured at the Borders of Iran

Hengaw: Friday, May 31, 2024

According to statistics compiled by the Statistics and Documents Center of the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, at least 13 Kolbars were killed or injured at the borders of Iran in May 2024. Notably, 92% of these incidents resulted from direct gunfire by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The number of Kolbars killed has increased by 100% compared to April.

Based on this report, eight Kolbars were killed and five were injured. Among the victims, a 17-year-old Kolbar from Sardasht, identified as Arian Mamandi, lost an eye due to shotgun fire by Iranian border regimental forces.

The eight Kolbars who were killed by direct fire in May are:

- Hemn Ahmadi, Vahid Qadirpour, and Atta Rostampour, all from Saqqez
- Jalal Sohrabi, Mohammad Qadri, and Moein Tawfiqpour, all from Baneh
- Salar Ahmadi and Sina Rasulzadeh, both from Sardasht

In comparison, four Kolbars were killed in April, indicating a 100% increase in fatalities in May. The majority of the killings, totaling ten cases, occurred along the borders of Kurdistan Province (Sanandaj).

Causes of death or injury are outlined as follows:

- Direct shooting: 12 cases (8 dead and 4 wounded), accounting for 92% of all incidents.
- Beating: 1 case (1 wounded), accounting for 8% of all incidents.

Breakdown of victims by province:

- Kermanshah Province (Kermashan): 1 case (1 wounded)
- Kurdistan Province (Sanandaj): 10 cases (7 killed and 3 wounded)
- West Azarbaijan Province (Urmia): 2 cases (1 killed and 1 injured)