Troops Deployed across Iran’s Saqqez ahead of Mahsa Anniversary

Saqqez - A significant increase in security presence has been witnessed in the western Iranian city of Saqqez in recent days, ahead of the September 16 anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death.

Security forces can be seen in the main streets and squares of Amini’s hometown, with vehicles of special forces being deployed in Azadi and Republic Squares.

The Iranian authorities, fearing a flare up in protests ahead of the anniversary of Amini’s death in police custody, have ramped up security measures in Kurdistan province, particularly Saqqez.

Videos shared on social media suggest that troops are being deployed to Saqqez and other cities in Kurdistan.

Cities in the province have experienced a significant slowdown in internet speed in recent days, while activists and ordinary citizens have been arrested or summoned by the authorities. 

On September 13, security forces stormed the residence of civil activist Samira Ahmadi and took her into custody without presenting a court order.