Unrest continues in Oil rich Khoozestan province

April 19, 2005

SMCCDI (Information Service) --Unrest is continuing in cities of the oil rich Khoozestan province as sporadic clashes and acts of sabotage are taking place despite the official claims of having pacified the region.

Violence continued, today, by spreading to cities, such as, Abadan and Khoramshahr where groups of demonstrators shouted slogans against the Islamic regime and its leadership.

Militiamen and regular security forces intervened in order to smash the demonstrations.

Sporadic shootings were heard during day and night times in both cities.

The City of Mahshar was also scene of violent clashes, yesterday, resulting in at least 2 deaths and several wounded among the demonstrators.

Several public buildings were also damaged in this city.

Acts of sabotage are taking place and a cargo train was derailed, today, in the Ahwaz-Khoramshahr railroad.

The Oil facilities and pipelines have been placed under heavy surveillance. Most accesses to Abadan's refinery are controlled and an increase number of helico flights are taking place.

Different reports are stating about 17 to 30 deaths and dozens of injured in this regional unrest which has started since end of last week in Ahwaz.

Hundreds of Ahwazi residents clashed, on Friday and Saturday, with Islamic regime forces who used rubber bullets, tear gas and clubs in order to avoid the spread of riots generated in several areas of the city, such as, Kian, Koot-Abdollah, Hamidieh and Khashayar districts. Several banks and public buildings, such as, Law Enforcement stations were heavily damaged by incendiary devices.

The riots started following the rumor that the Islamic regime is intending to diminish the social impact of residents of Arab origin who are living in the area. Sources are confirming that the rumor was spread by the Islamic regime's intelligence in order to fuel racism and to create a general situation making fear to Iranians on possibility of a split of the country in case of the overthrown of the Islamic State. The regime's leadership is hoping to create a situation rallying Iranians behind the candidacy of Hashemi Rafsanjani in the upcoming Presidential elections.

Few separatists have tried to transform the rallies in their favor but their calls were ignored by residents as most Iranian Arabs believe strongly in the territorial integrity of Iran.

Most of them fought Saddam forces and their local mercenaries during the Iraqi invasion of 1980-82. They do remember the separatists' dark and blooded records and the so-called "Al-Ahwaz" group's activities during the occupation of Khoozestan. Rapes and murders of hundreds of young Iranian Arab females and the looting of the cities were made by members of this group who helped Saddam's forces.

© Copyright 2005 SMCCDI: daneshjoo.org

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