Wars are much more than missiles, air defenses, drones or ships. The fundamental thing is that they generate victims. Reporting on those that are falling in Iran, due to the one that began last Saturday, is complicated by the ayatollah regime’s own control of information and by the communications blackout caused by the attacks.
However, the Red Crescent said yesterday that at least 555 people have been killed in the Islamic Republic since the start of hostilities, 180 of them in the attack on the school. This morning, the Iranian human rights organization, based in Washington, raised the figure to 742 civilians, including 176 minors.
Little by little, in addition, the fear is growing that a sustained war will cause a wave of refugees, who will go especially to countries between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, those of the South Caucasus, especially those on the border, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
According to reports, displaced to the border city of Astara, it is estimated that at least between 370 and 400 people have sought refuge in Azerbaijan after crossing the common post in the last two days. A hundred people were Azerbaijani citizens and the rest were expatriates from 19 different countries: France, Italy, Poland, Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal, for example. “Many are looking for a way out of Tehran in the midst of continuous attacks from the United States and Israel,” its information maintains.
The increase in traffic at the border crossing comes after the Government of Azerbaijan announced on Saturday that it would open the crossing to allow the safe evacuation of its citizens trapped in Iran, as well as the transit of citizens from foreign countries. A humanitarian gesture in the face of what is to come, so open.
It is believed that up to 500 Russian citizens could have crossed into Azerbaijan under the new initiative and eyewitnesses have reported to the same pan-European media that large groups have passed security checks.
For example, the case of a Pakistani family stands out, who had made the long and difficult journey from the Iranian capital to the southernmost city of Azerbaijan, carrying all their belongings they could gather in suitcases, which they dragged with them the entire way.
“We lived in Iran. We came by road to the border region. From there, we crossed the border,” Rameeza, a Pakistani girl who traveled with her brother and parents, told Euronews. “The trip was good. It was good, we came by bus to the border and then we came here. It was like a blast.”
Sadullah Khan, the baby’s father, said he was happy to have managed to cross the border with his family: “I am so happy to have come here. There are a lot of bombings in Tehran. Two days ago, I left Tehran towards Astara, and now I am safe. So I feel relieved,” he says.
Waiting for more arrivals
Events in the neighboring country have also raised concerns in Armenia. Local authorities have created a task force to manage possible risks. The Security Council, as it has been called, met yesterday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The Iranian embassy in Armenia reported that Yerevan expressed its condolences for the death of the Supreme Leader, as well as Iranian citizens, women and children. “Ararat Mirzoyan said that Armenia is ready to provide any necessary humanitarian assistance in the current circumstances and expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution of the situation,” the embassy said.
Local associations, such as Christians, are organizing to provide food, shelter and other aid to refugees fleeing Iran.
Iranians can travel to Armenia without a visa. Many now travel frequently to enjoy things unthinkable in their nation, from drinking wine to listening to music. Now the exodus will not be festive, but dramatic.
Armenia is one of the few escape routes for Iranians. Most neighboring countries have closed their borders to refugees.
Aviso de la HIM
This Monday, La expressed his “deep concern” about the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which could cause an increase in displaced people in the region, in this give and take initiated by Washington and Tel Aviv and replicated by Tehran.
“Many of the affected countries already host millions of refugees and internally displaced persons,” the agency recalled in a statement, noting that the increase in violence “threatens to overwhelm humanitarian capacity and increase pressure on host communities.”
UNHCR joined the call of the UN Secretary General, in favor of dialogue, de-escalation and respect for human rights.
Former Iraqi President Barham Salih, UN High Commissioner for Refugees since January 1, has already made an official trip to the region in his two months in office, specifically to Jordan, where he visited the Zaatari refugee camp.
In Lebanon, where Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah have already left more than 50 dead, massive displacements are also taking place from the south to the north, says the UNHCR. “Many have left with only what they could carry with them. Civilians must be protected at all times,” he recalls.
