A disturbing incident unfolded at Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran, on March 31, 2024, when the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched a grenade attack on the medical facility. This aggressive action is said to have been aimed at apprehending injured anti-regime protesters who had sought refuge there after clashes with government forces. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with patients screaming and fleeing as the armed guards stormed the hospital.
The raid followed recent warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had cautioned Iranian authorities about the consequences of their actions against protesters. Medical staff at Khomeini Hospital attempted to protect patients as IRGC officers forcibly entered the premises. Reports indicate that the guards fired tear gas within the hospital, further complicating an already dire situation.
In response to the assault, Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of the Resistance of Iran, condemned the attack as “an unforgivable crime.” She emphasized the necessity for international awareness and action against what she described as crimes against humanity. Rajavi urged the global community to respond decisively to the brutality exhibited by the Iranian regime.
Residents of Ilam quickly mobilized to support the hospital staff, chanting “Dishonourable! Dishonourable!” in an effort to block the guards from removing the wounded. As tensions escalated, IRGC personnel reportedly opened fire on both the gathered crowd and the hospital itself, leading to multiple arrests of injured individuals and their families.
The violent response reflects a broader pattern of repression by the Iranian government, particularly in light of ongoing protests against the regime. Observers note that the IRGC’s actions are an attempt to suppress dissent in a time of increasing public unrest. Rajavi highlighted that these brutal measures are unlikely to quell the uprising but may instead intensify resistance among the population.
Families of the detained have expressed their determination to fight back, warning that they will take up arms if their loved ones are not released. The situation in Ilam underscores the growing turmoil within Iran as citizens continue to stand against what they perceive as an oppressive regime.
The international community is watching closely as events unfold, with calls for accountability and intervention gaining momentum. As protests continue and reports of state violence emerge, the actions taken by the Iranian government will undoubtedly draw greater scrutiny from global observers and human rights advocates.
