“The campaign is aimed at both boys and girls, according to Iranian news agency ANA, which says young recruits could take part in intelligence operations, 'identity checks and patrols', as well as carrying out logistical tasks.”

“A fatal drone strike killed 11-year-old Alireza Jafari, who was killed by an Israeli drone strike targeting security forces at a checkpoint on a Tehran motorway on March 11.”

“Sadaf Manfard, the child’s mother, stated that Alireza’s father had taken their son to the checkpoint with him due to a 'shortage of personnel'.”

“The Basij Farhangian Organisation confirmed that Alireza had been killed 'while on duty', according to Hengaw, a Norway-based NGO.”

“A Tehran resident described seeing a 'boy stationed at a checkpoint with a weapon who didn’t even have a moustache yet'.”

“Hengaw and other human rights groups point out that the recruitment or use of children under the age of 15 in the armed forces or in warfare constitutes a war crime.”

“In a 2024 report, the US-based NGO Human Rights Activists in Iran (Hrana) exposed the recruitment of vulnerable groups, notably Afghan minors, to join the Fatemiyoun Division, a paramilitary group fighting in Syria under the auspices of the IRGC.”