According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group, on the morning of Wednesday, August 7, 2024, two Baloch fuel carriers lost their lives following a high-speed chase and the use of spike strips by security forces from the Mahdiabad checkpoint on the Qaen highway, in South Khorasan province. The chase led to the vehicle overturning, resulting in the deaths of the two Baloch men.
Identities of the Deceased Fuel Carriers
Mahmoud Rigi, 32 years old, son of Jalal, married with children, from Taybad.
Parviz Baloch, 27 years old, son of Zahir, married with children, from Taybad.
According to the report, around 4:00 AM, a Peugeot 405 fuel carrier vehicle traveling on the Qaen to Mahdiabad highway was pursued by military forces who had set up an ambush. Near the Mahdiabad checkpoint, security forces used spike strips to puncture the vehicle’s tires, causing it to overturn. Both occupants of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries and died as a result.
Annual Statistics on Fuel Carriers
It is worth noting that according to the annual collected report, in 2023, at least 321 fuel carriers were killed or injured due to direct shootings by security forces, road accidents, shootings by unknown armed individuals, floods, and fires.
This tragic incident underscores the perilous conditions faced by fuel carriers and highlights the urgent need for addressing the issues leading to such dangerous confrontations. The international community and human rights organizations must take notice of these recurring incidents and advocate for safer and more humane treatment of fuel carriers.
