At least three Sukhtbars were killed or injured after several Sukhtbari vehicles collided and caught fire during a chase by military forces in Minab. So far, the identities of two of the deceased have been confirmed.
According to Kolbernews, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, a pursuit of Sukhtbari vehicles by military forces on the Hashtbandi to Manujan road in the Minab region resulted in a collision and the burning of several Sukhtbari vehicles, leaving several individuals injured or dead.
The two identified deceased Sukhtbars have been reported as Ebrahim Azarkish and Mohsen Porkan, both from Roudbar-e Jonub.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred following a military chase of several Sukhtbari vehicles, during which at least nine vehicles were completely burned. It is believed that the actual death toll may be higher.
It is also reported that the Hormozgan Prosecutor recently issued an order instructing military and security forces to take strict action against Sukhtbars by any means necessary. This comes despite the fact that no judicial or governmental measures have been taken to create employment opportunities in the region.
Sukhtbari considered one of the unconventional and dangerous occupations that many Baloch people in Balochistan are forced to engage in due to the lack of suitable and stable employment opportunities. Accidents, vehicle overturns, and direct shootings by military and security forces are some of the dangers that threaten the lives of Sukhtbars. According to reports by Baloch activists, in 2024, at least 240 Baloch Sukhtbars lost their lives due to shootings by military forces, traffic accidents, and vehicle fires, while 135 others were injured in these incidents, 19 of whom were children.
