U.S. military investigators believe American forces likely struck Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran, on Feb. 28, killing ~168 (mostly students/staff), amid Operation Epic Fury strikes near an old IRGC site.
Probe Details
Initial findings: U.S. was active in southern Iran vicinity; Israel absent per IDF. Satellite imagery shows school (walled off from IRGC compound post-2013) hit simultaneously with nearby targets by air munitions. No final conclusions; “triple tap” missiles collapsed structure during school hours.
Official Reactions
Pentagon/DefSec Hegseth: Investigating, “never target civilians.” WH’s Leavitt/Kelly: No conclusions; “irresponsible” to assume, unlike Iran’s deliberate acts. Iran: 168 dead; UNESCO condemns as war crime.
Deadliest single strike escalates scrutiny on collateral damage. Agonizing civilian toll.
