Two kolbars were wounded in a shooting incident near the Baneh border in the Sanandaj province of Iran. The victims, identified as Fakhraldin Yousefi and an unnamed individual, suffered injuries after coming under direct gunfire from border regiment troops at the Hangazhall border on Monday, March 4, 2024.

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported that at least two kolbars sustained injuries during the incident. Fakhraldin Yousefi's identity has been confirmed as one of the injured individuals, while the other victim remains unidentified.

Initially taken to Salah Aldin Hospital in Baneh for medical treatment, Fakhraldin Yousefi's condition was deemed severe, prompting authorities to transfer him to Taleqani Hospital in Kermanshah for further medical attention.

Kolbars, who are predominantly Kurdish individuals, engage in the transportation of goods across the mountainous borders between Iran and neighboring countries, often facing dangerous conditions and risking their lives to make ends meet due to economic hardships.

Incidents involving kolbars being targeted by border forces have been a recurring issue in the region, sparking concerns over human rights violations and the safety of these workers.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, with calls for accountability and justice for the injured kolbars.

As tensions persist along the border regions, incidents like these highlight the ongoing challenges faced by kolbars and the urgent need for measures to ensure their safety and protection while carrying out their livelihood activities. Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, raising further questions about the circumstances leading to the shooting and the accountability of those involved.