Paveh; Transfer of Military Equipment to a Clinic Near a Gas Station and a Medical Center Located on a Busy Street
March 10, 2026; Following the continuous deployment and relocation of military forces and equipment in public and service facilities, reports from Paveh County in Kermanshah Province indicate the transfer of military equipment to a clinic near the “Sheikh Abdullah” gas station; a location situated on one of the city's busy streets, directly across from a medical center (Health and Wellness Center).
Local sources, while confirming this news, stated that the military forces of the Islamic Republic have transferred a significant amount of military equipment and ammunition to this clinic, located near Paveh Prison and the “Sheikh Abdullah” gas station. A portion of this equipment is being stored in one of the clinic's buildings.
This is occurring while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) district headquarters and the Intelligence building are located approximately 50 meters from this site; nevertheless, the military equipment has been moved inside this medical facility.
According to local sources, this action has caused concern among nearby residents, and some have left their homes and the area surrounding the gas station without prior notice due to the potential risk of explosion.
The Kurdpa Human Rights Organization emphasizes that this action is a clear violation of international rules. The instances of this violation include:
- Violation of the Principle of Distinction: According to Article 48 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, the parties to a conflict must always distinguish between civilians and combatants, as well as between civilian objects and military objectives. Deploying forces in mosques, sports halls, and government offices turns these places into a “lawful military target” and endangers the lives of civilians.
- Use of Human Shields: According to Article 28 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Article 12 of the First Protocol, using the presence of civilians to shield certain points or areas from military operations (deployment in crowded public places) is strictly prohibited. This action by the sovereignty is a clear example of using citizens as a human shield to protect mid-level military cadres and equipment.
- Violation of the Immunity of Medical Centers: Hospitals and religious units have special protection according to Article 19 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Turning a medical center into a military base not only denies the right to health but also means the cancellation of the immunity of this medical facility during conflicts.
- Violation of the Right to Life and Physical Security of Prisoners: The secret transfer of prisoners under conditions of an internet shutdown and the lack of information provided to families is a violation of Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This “short-term disappearance” and the creation of a news vacuum increases the risk of torture and inhuman treatment and places the direct responsibility for the lives of these individuals on the government.
Image: A view of the city of Paveh after the military attack on the “Vahdat” IRGC outpost.
