Unrest has been underway in Iranian Kurdistan for the ninth week, and Iran security forces have deployed military helicopters to monitor the cities as they find it increasingly difficult to maintain security forces in the streets.
A few hours ago, explosions were heard in several Kurdish cities in western Iran and drones were seen flying over Bokan, according to local sources. Videos published online showed a military helicopter flying over the restive cities of Mahabad and Saqqez.
This morning, several explosions were heard in Marivan, Baneh, Saqqez and Bokan, and several drones flew over the sky, the Oslo-based Hengaw Human Rights Organization reported. In Marivan, several protesters blocked several main roads and burned fire to prevent the advance of security forces. According to media reports, there were deaths and injuries in last night's demonstrations.
According to the Hrana Human Rights Group, the death toll from protests across Iran has reached at least 402 people, including 58 women and many minors, with over 16,000 people detained by Iranian security forces, 524 being university students.