At least 5,000 people, including nearly 500 security personnel, have died in ongoing anti-government protests across Iran, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
According to a report of Reuters, officials attributed the fatalities to “terrorists and armed rioters” targeting innocent citizens.
The report also says, an unnamed Iranian official climed, most intense clashes and the highest number of deaths occurred in Kurdish-majority areas in northwest Iran.
These regions have long seen activity by Kurdish separatists, and unrest there has historically been among the most violent.
“The final toll is not expected to rise sharply,” the official added, claiming that Israel and armed groups abroad had supported and supplied those taking to the streets.
Meanwhile, US-based human rights group HRANA reported on Saturday that confirmed deaths had reached 3,308, with another 4,382 cases under review.
The organisation also confirmed over 24,000 arrests across the country. Norwegian-based Kurdish rights group Hengaw reported that the heaviest clashes during the December protests took place in the northwest Kurdish regions.
The protests erupted in late December over the rapid devaluation of the Iranian rial, sparking public anger. They later escalated into calls for the resignation of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and widespread political dissent.
The unrest has drawn international attention due to its scale, the involvement of security forces, and the reported backing of protesters by foreign actors.
