The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights and Freedoms, based on reliable sources and confirmed information, reports that elements of Iraqi armed militias affiliated with Shiite political parties have entered Iranian territory with the aim of joining Iranian security forces and participating in the suppression of the ongoing popular protests in Iran.
Details of the Entry
According to information obtained by the Observatory:
On Friday, January 2, the first group of Iraqi fighters entered Iran. The crossing took place through the Shalamcheh border crossing in the province of Basra. The number of individuals in this group was 13 fighters. Information indicates the existence of subsequent batches, the exact numbers of which have not yet been determined.
Field Testimonies from Inside Iran
As part of verification and cross-checking efforts:
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights and Freedoms contacted Iranian activists inside Iran. The activists confirmed the presence of security personnel participating in the suppression of protesters who were speaking Arabic. These individuals were observed in particular in: Tehran Bazaar The city of Marvdasht
In addition, a source reported the existence of meetings held at the headquarters of the “Jabal Iraq Movement” in Baghdad, a movement that is part of the State of Law Coalition, aimed at secretly arranging the transfer of members to Tehran, away from the attention of international intelligence agencies.
The activists noted that the Arabic dialects heard do not belong to Iranian Arab citizens, which strengthens the assumption that non-Iranian elements are participating in the repression operations.
Serious Implications
These developments represent:
A blatant violation of the principle of national sovereignty The involvement of cross-border militias in the suppression of peaceful civilian protests A dangerous escalation in the use of non-state armed actors to repress populations
The Observatory stresses that the use of foreign militias to suppress protesters constitutes a grave crime under international human rights standards, and warrants an independent international investigation.
The Observatory’s Position
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights and Freedoms holds:
The Iranian authorities, and The Iraqi parties involved
Fully legally and morally responsible for these violations, and calls on:
The United Nations Special Rapporteurs concerned with human rights Independent international organizations
to follow up on this information and open an urgent and transparent investigation.
