In a deeply troubling escalation of violence, a staggering 118 Kurdish Kolbers, also known as porters, fell victim to lethal force from Iranian border guards in the span of just one month, according to a damning report released on Saturday by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights. The dire situation highlights an alarming increase in casualties, with November witnessing an unprecedented 293% surge compared to the preceding month, October.

Tragically, the toll includes eight fatalities, among them a child, and 110 individuals left wounded in various regions of Iranian Kurdistan. Shockingly, 14 of the wounded are minors under the age of 18, underscoring the grave risks faced by this vulnerable community.

The report reveals that a distressing 93% of the recorded deaths and injuries were a direct result of gunfire from Iranian military forces. This stark statistic raises serious concerns about the disproportionate use of force against Kolbers, who are tasked with transporting heavy loads between Iran and Iraq. Tehran deems their work "illegal," creating perilous conditions for these individuals who now find themselves caught in the crossfire.

The highest incidence of casualties occurred in Kurdistan provinces, with a separate statement by Hengaw shedding light on the dire situation in the southern Iranian province of Bana. Over the past eight months, 16 Kolbers lost their lives, while 82 others suffered injuries. Among the deceased, Rasoul Gagashi and Mohammad Latif Ahmadpour fell victim to a targeted attack, emphasizing the grave risks faced by those in this line of work.

The international community is urged to take note of this disturbing trend and pressure Iranian authorities to address the systemic issues leading to the loss of lives among the Kurdish Kolbers. As the crisis continues to unfold, human rights advocates are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety and protection of this vulnerable community caught in the crosshairs of a perilous situation.