Balochistan: Three Killed and One Injured in Grenade Explosion in Morthan

DOZZAAP (ZAHEDAN): A grenade explosion at a residential home in Mortan, a village in Rask County in Iranian Occupied Balochistan, led to the deaths of three Baloch citizens and left one other person injured.

The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, December 20, when a grenade, which had been part of the Iranian military’s “Martyrs of Security” exercise, was brought into the home by a family member.

According to reports, the grenade was discovered by a member of the family in an area recently used for military drills. Unaware of the danger it posed, the family member brought it to their home. Tragically, after pulling the pin, the grenade exploded, killing three people instantly.

The victims have been identified as Soheila Askani, her brother Zabad Askani, and Emaduddin Askani the son of Murad Mohammad Askani. The injured individual, Murad Mohammad Askani, is Emaduddin’s father.

This event highlights ongoing concerns about the safety risks posed by military exercises in Balochistan, which often conclude without sufficient clearance of dangerous ordnance.

Such incidents are not uncommon in the region. Earlier this year, on February 9, 2024, a landmine left behind from military drills in the Nyatak area of Hirmand County killed another Baloch citizen, Aminollah Salarzehi.

The explosions have sparked growing criticism of Iranian forces from locals and human rights organisations regarding the lack of proper post-exercise safety measures, which leave residents vulnerable to unexploded ordnance and other hazards.