Marivan, Iran — A tragic landmine explosion in a border region has claimed the lives of two soldiers and left two others injured, highlighting ongoing concerns about unexploded ordnance in the area.
The blast occurred on May 30, 2025, impacting soldiers who were on duty in Marivan, a town situated in Iran’s western province of Kurdistan. The victims were identified as Mohammadreza Haritpasand from Qorveh and Sohaib Azizi from Baneh, both of whom were serving their mandatory military service at the time of the explosion.
Among the two wounded soldiers are Soran Sharifi, a Kurdish serviceman also from Baneh, and Major Amanollah Abdollahi, hailing from Khomeyn in Markazi Province. Following the incident, both were quickly taken to nearby medical facilities, where their conditions have since stabilized, according to local officials.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent dangers posed by landmines in the region, particularly in areas that have a history of conflict. In recent years, reports have indicated that numerous mines have been laid by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as part of military operations aimed at curbing Kurdish opposition. The proliferation of these devices not only threatens military personnel but also puts local communities at severe risk.
Organizations focused on human rights have expressed alarm over the situation in Iran’s border areas, where landmines and other remnants of war continue to endanger lives. Activists advocate for increased efforts to clear these hazardous remnants to ensure the safety of both military and civilian individuals living in or passing through these conflict-affected regions.
Despite international guidelines on landmine use and clearance, the situation remains dire. Communities near these borders are urged to remain vigilant, given the potential for further incidents.
As this recent tragedy underscores, the implications of conflict extend far beyond the battlefield, affecting the lives of soldiers and civilians alike. The urgent need for comprehensive demining efforts in the region cannot be overstated, as the risks remain a pressing issue for many families who live in close proximity to these hazards.