US Likely Responsible for Iranian School Strike, Investigations Suggest
Recent investigations into the devastating strike on an Iranian girls' school in Minab suggest that the US forces are the probable culprits. The attack, which took place on February 28, has resulted in a tragic loss of lives, with the death toll now standing at 165, many of them children.
Background
The strike, which targeted the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school, occurred during a series of US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The New York Times analysis, based on newly released satellite imagery, verified social media posts, and geolocated videos, suggests that the school was hit by precision strikes at the same time as multiple attacks by US forces on an adjacent naval base.
However, the US military officials, who are conducting the investigation, have not reached a final conclusion yet. The details of the investigation, such as the type of munition used or why the US might have struck the school, remain unknown.
International Response and Calls for Justice
The international community has expressed deep concern over the incident. The UN children’s agency, Unicef, citing reports, states that nearly 180 children have been killed since the conflict escalated. The agency urgently called on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law and ensure the protection of civilians.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has also called on the US to promptly probe into the deaths of children in the strike on the Iranian school and provide compensation to the victims. Amid growing calls for justice, UN experts assert that there is 'no excuse for killing girls in a classroom.'
Iran's Reactions and Responses
Iran, grieving the loss of young lives, has bid farewell to the girls killed in the strike. Thousands of mourners filled the streets of the southern Iranian city of Minab for the funeral of the victims, bearing photographs of the deceased as the procession moved through the city’s main square.
A senior Iranian official has stated that Tehran’s response to the joint US and Israeli attacks continues with no set timeframe and declared that 'everything American or Israeli has become a legitimate target for the Iranian armed forces.'
Current Status
As the investigation continues, the US has not yet assumed responsibility for the attack, and the Israeli military claims to be 'unaware' of a US or Israeli air strike on the school. The incident has sparked international outrage, and calls for an independent probe into the attack are increasing.
The tragic incident has added to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with implications for regional security and the international community at large. The deadly strike, one of the most significant civilian casualty incidents since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran began, highlights the urgent need for accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.