In a shocking incident, an Iranian soldier unleashed a hail of gunfire on fellow comrades in the southeastern city of Kerman. The attack, which occurred at a barracks dormitory, resulted in the tragic death of five soldiers, according to reports from Iranian state TV. The assailant, whose identity remains undisclosed, is currently at large, leaving authorities scrambling to apprehend the suspect. The motive behind the brutal assault is yet to be determined, adding an air of mystery to the unfolding situation. The city of Kerman, still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating bombing attack earlier this month that claimed the lives of 94 people, now finds itself grappling with yet another tragedy. The earlier bombings, for which the Islamic State group claimed responsibility, targeted an anniversary ceremony commemorating the death of an Iranian general killed in a 2020 U.S. drone strike in Iraq.

The recent incident mirrors a concerning trend in Iran, where sporadic shootings at military bases have been reported. In 2022, a similar episode unfolded when a soldier took the lives of another soldier and three policemen at a roadside police station in the country's south. The mandatory military service, lasting up to 24 months for men aged 19 and above in Iran, has come under scrutiny as these incidents highlight the internal challenges within the armed forces. The Iranian government faces mounting pressure to address the underlying issues leading to such acts of violence within its military ranks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)