Conscript Arrested After Killing Five In Kerman Barracks

An army conscript who killed five colleagues in the squad room while on duty in Kerman barracks, has been apprehended near Zarinshahr county, officials say.

Naser Farshid, commander of law enforcement in Kerman province revealed that “the apprehended soldier was found in possession of two Kalashnikov rifles and six magazines containing a total of 180 rounds.” His motive is currently under investigation.

Citing the Islamic Republic Army, Tasnim News Agency has released the names of the five conscripted soldiers who lost their lives in the shooting.

The incident follows earlier reports in Iranian media about soldiers resorting to violence against their comrades or military authorities during their service. The motives behind such incidents are not officially disclosed by the military authorities of the Islamic Republic.

In a similar incident last year, a soldier in a barracks in the city of Deylam killed four other soldiers after taking them hostage. Iranian media attributed the soldier's motives for the killings and hostage-taking to not having been allowed to take leave.

Military service in Iran, known as "compulsory military service," is obligatory for all Iranian men above the age of 18, with certain exemptions. The mandatory 21 to 24-month service has faced criticism due to the physical and psychological pressures on soldiers, sometimes leading to outcomes such as suicide or violent acts.