In a distressing incident near Hangazhali Bana, Iranian border guards targeted Kurdish Kolbers, resulting in the injury of at least five individuals, including a 17-year-old teenager, Arman Qasmi. The unfortunate event unfolded during the cross-border transportation of goods by Arween Rasheedi, 19, Karo Tajrubakar, Mohammed Waysee, and Zahir, as reported by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights on Thursday.

Kurdish Kolbers, who predominantly reside in economically challenged Iranian Kurdish cities, face enduring challenges, including harsh winter conditions and persistent shootings at border crossings. This latest incident sheds light on the ongoing struggles and dangers faced by these cross-border cargo carriers.

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights disclosed that on Sunday of this week, an additional four Kurdish Kolbers sustained injuries in separate incidents near the border cities of Bana, Mariwan, and Nawsud, further emphasizing the heightened risks involved in their daily activities.

Over the past two months, the region has witnessed a surge in fatal shootings, with at least nine Kolbers losing their lives in confrontations with Iranian border guards near Bana alone. Shockingly, the toll includes at least 10 Kurdish teenage Kolbers who have sustained injuries since October, underscoring the urgency for attention to the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals.

International human rights organizations are being urged to investigate these incidents and call for measures to ensure the protection of Kurdish Kolbers as they navigate perilous conditions in the line of their work. The international community awaits responses from relevant authorities to address the pressing issues faced by these cross-border carriers.