Iranian security forces have intensified their crackdown on widespread protests across multiple cities, with eyewitness reports indicating that live ammunition is being used against demonstrators. In the past 48 hours alone, the death toll is feared to have reached approximately two thousand, though the true figure could be significantly higher due to restricted access and limited verified reporting.
On Sunday, 11 January, London-based broadcaster Iran International reported that internet services across Iran have been largely shut down, hampering communication and obscuring a clear understanding of the crisis. The government’s strict control over information has made it challenging for independent observers to assess the scale and intensity of the crackdown.
Footage and eyewitness accounts from South Tehran’s Kahrizak district show several bodies lying on the ground near an industrial shed, with others placed in body bags. Similar scenes have been reported from hospitals in Fardis, Karaj, and Alghadir in East Tehran, indicating that lethal force is being used in multiple regions rather than being confined to a single hotspot.
A doctor from the northern city of Rasht reported that a single hospital alone had received at least 70 bodies in recent days. Tehran and the Fardis area of Karaj appear to be the epicentres of the most intense violence, although reports suggest that other cities are also witnessing deadly confrontations between protesters and security forces.
The following table summarises the available information on casualties and affected locations:
| Location / Hospital | Reported Deaths | Situation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kahrizak, Tehran | Several dozen | Bodies seen in body bags; live ammunition used |
| Fardis, Karaj | 70+ | Multiple hospitals receiving bodies |
| East Tehran, Alghadir Hospital | Numerous | Heavy weaponry reportedly used against protesters |
| Other cities | Unspecified | Local reports indicate lethal force deployed |
With conventional internet access largely blocked, some protesters have reportedly used Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet to share video evidence of killings and violent incidents.
Analysts warn that the combination of lethal force and information suppression is making it extremely difficult to obtain an accurate picture of the crisis. They emphasise that the ongoing nationwide crackdown is alarming in both scale and severity. International human rights organisations have urged the global community to monitor the situation closely, calling for urgent interventions to prevent further loss of life and potential violations of human rights.