US forces could be responsible for a strike that hit a girls’ school in southern Iran, killing over 160 children, according to a US military investigation cited by Reuters.
The strike occurred on February 28, when the US and Israel started launching coordinated attacks on Iran, triggering Tehran’s missile and drone retaliation across the Middle East, as the conflict escalates in the region.
Two US officials, speaking to the news agency on condition of anonymity, explained that the assessment of the school strike is preliminary and could change if new evidence indicates another actor was involved.
Details about the ongoing investigation remain undisclosed, including the type of munition used, the intended target, and which force conducted the strike.
‘May Amount to War Crimes’
If Washington’s involvement is confirmed, the strike would mark one of the deadliest civilian casualty events linked to recent US military operations in the region, Reuters explained.
UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stated that if an investigation determined the attack deliberately targeted civilians or was carried out indiscriminately, it would be a “serious violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.”
Reuters reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military was reviewing the circumstances of the strike, stating that “we, of course, never target civilian targets. But we’re taking a look and investigating that.”
CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Timothy Hawkins said it would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
Rising Death Toll
UN agencies and human rights groups warn that the ongoing crisis is affecting at least 16 countries, has killed more than 1,000 people, and is causing civilian displacement as well as damage to critical infrastructure.
According to UNICEF, children are increasingly among the victims of the ongoing military escalation in Iran.
The UN agency reported that around 180 minors have been killed and many more injured since the start of the fighting.
It added that at least 20 schools and 10 hospitals have reportedly been damaged, disrupting access to education and critical health services for children in affected areas.
