Iran Fires Missiles and Drones Into Iraq as Riots Break Out
(TargetLiberty.org) – Massive protests have been raging in Iran for nearly two weeks. Dozens of people are dead, and the government is desperately trying to force its citizens back in line. However, the angry Iranians have thus far refused to be silenced, despite the violent response from the authoritarian regime.
Now the nation has decided to start a conflict with people in a neighboring country for allegedly stoking the unrest.
Missile Attack
On Wednesday, September 28, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched 73 ballistic missiles into northern Iraq. The military branch, which has been labeled a terrorist organization by the US, was targeting Kurdish opposition groups in the region.
According to Mail Online, the IRGC claims the Kurdish groups are infiltrating their country and attacking Iran in order to “sow insecurity and riots and spread unrest.” The attacks killed at least nine people and injured 32 others. Civilians were among those who were injured or killed.
US State Department Spokesman Ned Price condemned Iran for the attacks. He said America is standing with the Iraqi government “in the face of these brazen attacks on their sovereignty.” Iraq summoned the Iranian ambassador to answer for the attack.
Meanwhile, the United Nations mission in Iraq condemned the missile strikes, calling them a “reckless act with devastating consequences.”
Iranian Protests
Iran is blaming the protests currently taking place on the Kurdish groups. However, the unrest began after the country’s morality police arrested 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was also Kurdish. She fell into a coma shortly after being taken into custody and died within a few days. Authorities have claimed her death was due to sudden heart failure, but her family has said she didn’t have any health problems. People have accused officers of brutally beating her.
After the young woman’s death, Iranian women took to the streets and began burning their hijabs (the veils that cover their hair). Men also joined the protests and began demanding freedom for the women in their country. Iran’s government follows Islamic law, which severely discriminates against women.
The death toll has surpassed 80, and many of those being hurt or killed are women. For example, Iranian social media star Hadis Najafi, 20, died after suffering six gunshot wounds to her face and upper body.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has ordered the riot police to deal with the protesters in a decisive manner. Najafi’s death proved reports from the ground that authorities are firing live rounds at those who are demanding freedom.
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