Over 100 Officers Killed Amid Protests Against Iran's Government

Violent Protests in Iran Result in Significant Losses Among Security Forces

Iranian state media reports that dozens of security forces have been killed during protests in the country, which is grappling with sanctions and a severe economic crisis. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has warned the United States and Israel of retaliatory attacks should there be an aggression against the Islamic Republic.

On January 8 and 9, 30 members of the police and security forces were killed in Isfahan province, while the semi-official news agency Tasnim reported a total of 109 security personnel killed nationwide. Additionally, a member of the Iranian Red Crescent died following an attack on one of the aid buildings in Gorgan.

Iranian authorities are intensifying efforts to suppress the largest protests in recent years, sparked by high living costs and inflation. The Interior Ministry claims that the "riots" are gradually diminishing, while the Attorney General has warned that those involved in the unrest could face the death penalty.

In a parliamentary statement following Donald Trump's threats of military attacks, Qalibaf emphasized that in the event of aggression against Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) and all American bases and ships would become legitimate targets. This marks a rhetorical escalation, with some parliamentarians shouting, "Death to America!"

Trump asserted that Iran faces a desire for freedom "perhaps like never before" and offered support to the protestors, though he did not detail the nature of the assistance. Meanwhile, a nationwide internet blackout has now lasted over 60 hours, posing a direct threat to the safety of Iranians.

The head of the Iranian police stated that the level of confrontation with protestors has intensified, while the military announced it would defend "national interests," accusing Israel and hostile terrorist groups of attempts to undermine public security.

These demonstrations are the largest in Iran since the protest movement of 2022-2023, triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman arrested for allegedly violating the dress code.

Human rights groups are calling for restraint in response to reports of casualties and mass arrests, with the Norwegian NGO Iran Human Rights reporting at least 51 protestors, including nine children, killed by security forces.