At least 5,000 people have been killed in the protests in Iran till now, according to Reuters. The news agency quoted an anonymous Iranian official, who added that 500 security personnel have also been killed in the demonstrations against the government, which have spread throughout the country.
Death toll rises in Iran
Reuters reported that the anonymous official blamed "terrorists" and "armed rioters" for the deaths of "innocent Iranians." The official added that the Iranian Kurdish areas of northwestern Iran recorded some of the largest numbers of confrontations and the highest number of deaths.
The northwestern region of Iran has seen the most violent clashes in recent history. Kurdish separatists have been operational in the area, which has led to the biggest flare-up during the latest protests.
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The official told Reuters, "The final toll is not expected to increase sharply." He added that Israel and armed groups abroad have extended their support and given equipment to the demonstrators.
The unrest in Iran
US-based rights group HRANA said on Saturday, January 17, that at least 3,308 people have been killed so far, with another 4,382 cases still under review. The group also said it has confirmed more than 24,000 arrests.
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Iranian authorities, however, have repeatedly blamed the unrest on foreign enemies, including Israel, a long-time adversary of the Islamic Republic that carried out military strikes on Iran in June.
