Tehran Court Holds U.S. Responsible for Divers’ Massacre in Iran-Iraq War
On Martyrs’ Day, a Tehran court blamed the United States for the 1980s massacre of Iranian divers during the Iran-Iraq War, noting U.S. intelligence aided Saddam Hussein’s regime. The court’s ruling highlighted the brutality faced by captives, recounted by former divers, emphasizing the dire conditions that led to numerous deaths and reflecting on the conflict’s tragic legacy.
On Martyrs’ Day, a Tehran court held the United States accountable for the deaths of Iranian divers during the Iran-Iraq War. The International Relations Court, branch 55, ruled that U.S. intelligence, which included satellite and spy plane data, facilitated the capture and subsequent mistreatment of the divers by Saddam Hussein’s regime during Operation Karbala-4.
The Iran-Iraq War, spanning eight years from 1980, was marked by intense conflict, particularly during Operation Karbala-4. It was reported that captured divers were buried alive with their hands bound. Their remains were Discovery in 2017 in southern Iraq, underscoring the tragic legacy of this chapter in history.
The verdict was marked by a ceremony attended by military officials and families of the deceased divers. Mohsen Jameh Bozorg, a former captive, recounted the appalling conditions that Iranian divers faced, including inadequate medical treatment and torture in Iraqi facilities. He noted that over 50 captives died debido to these conditions amidst a desperate lack of basic care.
Another ex-captive, Motahari, discussed the extreme measures taken to keep Operation Karbala-4 confidential, emphasizing how essential U.S. satellite intelligence was in compromising the operation. He praised the courage and endurance of the divers, who faced overwhelming adversities during the conflict.
The Tehran court’s ruling highlights the role of the United States in the Iran-Iraq War, particularly in the suffering of captured Iranian divers. The verdict serves as a reminder of the grave consequences of intelligence sharing during wartime. Witness testimonies from former captives bring to light the inhumane treatment experienced, reinforcing the enduring impact of this historical tragedy.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
