Hengaw documents widespread militarization and use of live fire by Iranian forces in Urmia
Hengaw – Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified the militarization of Urmia in recent weeks, deploying large numbers of military and security forces, establishing multiple checkpoints, and imposing severe restrictions on the daily movement of Kurdish residents. The measures have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, disrupting life across the city and surrounding districts.
According to verified field data and documented evidence collected by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the scale of militarization and the use of live ammunition against civilians have significantly increased, particularly in the Targor and Margor regions near Urmia.
Sources told Hengaw that military activity in the Targor area has expanded sharply, with dozens of armored vehicles patrolling both main and secondary roads. A considerable number of deployed personnel are reportedly local members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known as Jash, who are recognizable to residents.
In one incident earlier this week, security forces in the village of Hashimabad in the Silvana district of Margor opened fire with pellet guns on two brothers, identified as Abdolhadi and Mohammad-Saleh (under 18), as they protested the demolition of their family’s concrete block factory on Monday, October 6, 2025. Both brothers sustained serious injuries to their legs.
Eyewitnesses informed Hengaw that for more than 20 days, the Targor area has been heavily militarized, with numerous checkpoints, fortified positions, and armed patrols along main routes and around villages. The widespread presence of security forces has imposed severe restrictions and a climate of intimidation on Kurdish residents throughout the region.
At these checkpoints, vehicles are systematically stopped and searched, passengers are required to present identification, and many are interrogated about their movements. Security personnel reportedly inspect mobile phones and communication devices to prevent the recording or distribution of photos and videos.
