Baloch Fuel Carrier Killed in High-Risk Military Pursuit and Vehicle Rollover on Chabahar–Iranshahr Road
The death of a Baloch fuel carrier following the rollover of his vehicle during a military pursuit on the Chabahar to Iranshahr axis on the evening of Sunday, 22 February 2026.
On the Chabahar to Iranshahr axis, a fuel carrier vehicle was pursued by military forces. In the course of this pursuit, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and roll over, resulting in the immediate death of the driver.
The identity of the deceased is reported as Mohammad Hormozi (Hormagi), approximately 30 years old, son of Allahnoor, married, father of a child, and a resident of Zahedan.
This fatal incident is another example of the repeated pattern of actions by military forces, which often involve high-risk pursuits without observing the principles of proportionality and necessity, thereby endangering the lives of unarmed civilians. Fuel carrying, as one of the few means of livelihood in the deprived areas of Sistan and Balochistan, has repeatedly been accompanied by such incidents, leading to extensive loss of life.
According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group’s annual report for the year 2025:
- At least 173 fuel carriers lost their lives in various incidents.
- 132 fuel carriers were injured.
- Of these, 131 deaths and 80 injuries resulted from road accidents.
- 37 individuals were killed and 44 injured as a direct result of military actions (shootings, mine explosions, pursuits and chases, beatings).
- Two deaths were due to drowning, one death and seven injuries from fire incidents, and two killed and one injured in shootings by unknown armed individuals.
- At least 211 fuel carriers were arrested during this year.
The Balochistan Human Rights Group once again stresses that high-risk pursuits against unarmed civilians, especially under poor road conditions and at high speeds, constitute a clear violation of the right to life (Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) and the fundamental principles governing the use of force. These actions must be stopped immediately, and all cases resulting in death must be subject to independent, transparent, and impartial investigation.
We demand accountability from the responsible authorities, compensation for the families of the deceased and injured, and the adoption of urgent measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents.
Balochistan Human Rights Group.
