Amnesty International has intensified calls for accountability following a US strike on a school in Minab, Iran, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 children. The incident, occurring in February, has sparked significant international concern. According to a detailed analysis conducted by Amnesty’s Evidence Lab, evidence was gleaned from more than 30 satellite images, alongside official statements, independent media reports, and testimonies from witnesses. It revealed that the strike employed precision-guided munitions, raising substantial questions about the intelligence guiding the attack.
A critical finding from the investigation indicates the use of potentially outdated intelligence. The school was formerly part of a military compound, but satellite imagery from 2016 demonstrated that it had since been separated by newly constructed walls and three secured entrances. This apparent oversight could constitute a violation of international law, which mandates strict verification that a target is a legitimate military objective before an attack is launched. More details can be explored in the initial report.
Erika Guervara-Rosas, senior director at Amnesty for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns, firmly condemned the actions, highlighting the devastating impact on children. She emphasized that classrooms should be sanctuaries of safety and learning, yet, tragically, this site became a scene of mass casualty. International humanitarian law explicitly prohibits targeting civilian structures like schools.
Amnesty and Human Rights Watch have both urged the US to launch a transparent investigation into the incident, with calls for prosecuting those responsible and providing reparations to the affected families. The proposals reflect a broader demand for such attacks to face scrutiny as potential war crimes, a sentiment echoed by various international organizations committed to upholding humanitarian law.
This appeal for justice comes amidst broader tensions concerning military operations in the region, urging a reflection on the methodologies and intelligence frameworks employed in such environments. Ensuring accountability may not only uphold international law but also prevent further civilian tragedies.