Death of a Baloch fuel carrier following pursuit and shooting by military forces in Semnan and violent arrest of his companion
According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group, in the early hours of Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (corresponding to 29 Bahman 1404), around 1 a.m., following the pursuit of a fuel carrier vehicle by Special Forces (Yegan Takavari) units in Semnan Province and shooting at it, the vehicle overturned and caught fire, resulting in the death of one of the occupants amid the flames.
At the same time, his companion—who attempted to provide assistance—was violently beaten by military forces, arrested, and security forces prevented citizens from approaching to provide aid.
The identity of the deceased fuel carrier has been confirmed by the Balochistan Human Rights Group as Saeed Poudineh, 23 years old, son of Parviz, originally from Zabol and resident of Aliabad in Mazandaran Province.
According to the report, after pursuing the vehicle, military forces opened fire, causing it to overturn and subsequently catch fire. Despite the fuel carrier being trapped in the flames, no effective action was taken to extinguish the fire or urgently transfer him to medical facilities.
It is reported that the prevention of public assistance and the delay in providing aid directly contributed to the death of this fuel carrier—an incident that continues a series of similar events and has heightened concerns regarding the treatment of fuel carriers.
It should be noted that throughout the year 2025, at least 173 fuel carriers were killed and 132 were injured. In road accidents, 131 individuals lost their lives and 80 were injured. In military actions—including shootings, mine explosions, pursuits and chases, and beatings—37 people were killed and 44 were injured. Two individuals drowned while engaged in fuel carrier activities. Additionally, fire incidents resulted in the death of 1 person and injury of 7 others, and in shootings by unidentified armed individuals, 2 people were killed and 1 injured. Furthermore, at least 211 fuel carriers were arrested during this year.
