Washington, March 14: The attack on a girls’ elementary school in Iran has sparked a heated debate in the U.S. Congress. Democratic senators are pressing the Pentagon for answers and calling for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Reports indicate that at least 175 people lost their lives, including a significant number of students.
The attack occurred on February 28 in the city of Minab during “Operation Epic Fury.” The Shazareh Tayebeh Girls’ Elementary School was targeted while many students were present.
Representative Gabe Vasquez from New Mexico has written to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seeking detailed information about the incident. He inquired about the measures the U.S. military is taking to protect civilians and respond to such events.
In their letter, Vasquez and other senators emphasized, “Under no circumstances should civilians and civilian infrastructure be targeted. All parties must ensure their safety and dignity.”
They have demanded an investigation into the measures taken to protect civilians during “Operation Epic Fury” and the damage caused by the airstrike.
Additionally, over 120 Democratic lawmakers, led by Congressman Jason Crow, have also sought answers from the Pentagon regarding the attack and civilian casualties during the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The senators expressed particular concern over the assault on the girls’ primary school, which resulted in at least 175 fatalities and around 100 injuries among children and staff.
They have questioned the Pentagon about the targeting process during the attack, the assessed risk to civilians, and what steps the military has taken to prevent such incidents. They also raised concerns about whether artificial intelligence (AI) technology was used in selecting targets and if human oversight was conducted before approving the attack.
The senators have called for a public report once the investigation into the school attack and other civilian casualties is complete.
Meanwhile, several senior U.S. senators, including Mark Warner, Brian Schatz, Patty Murray, Jeanne Shaheen, Jack Reed, and Chris Coons, have condemned the incident. They stated, “The killing of schoolchildren is horrifying and unacceptable under any circumstances. A thorough and impartial investigation is necessary.”
Amid growing pressure, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that a formal investigation has been initiated. This command-level inquiry will continue until all aspects of the incident are fully understood.
Hegseth also stated that the circumstances of the attack will be thoroughly examined, and the results will be made public once the investigation is complete. He emphasized that the U.S. does not intentionally target civilians.
According to letters sent by lawmakers, reports indicate that over 1,000 civilians have died during this military operation. Concerns have also been raised about attacks on schools, hospitals, public places, and other civilian infrastructure.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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