‘Shoot to Kill’: Accounts of Brutal Crackdown Emerge From Iran

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Erika Solomon, Farnaz Fassihi, Sanam Mahoozi and Sanjana VargheseJanuary 13, 2026 at 11:32 AM

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long article 7 min

Amidst a near-total communication blackout in Iran, reports are emerging of a brutal government crackdown on widespread protests. Eyewitnesses and videos indicate government forces are using automatic weapons against unarmed protesters, resulting in gunshot wounds and skull fractures. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and images depict rows of body bags, with families mourning the deceased. Human rights groups estimate hundreds have died, while an Iranian health official anonymously claimed around 3,000 have been killed, including security officers, blaming "terrorists" for the unrest. The exact death toll remains unclear due to restricted access and information control.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters ×240% Iranian state television 40% The New York Times ×250% Iranian health ministry 50% Tehran 60% Iranian authorities ×280% Iran ×590%

Keywords

crackdown 90% protests 80% violence 70% information blackout 70% government forces 60% human rights 60% eyewitness testimony 50% unarmed protesters 50% casualties 50%