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International

20 Volleyball Players Killed in Rocket Strike on Iranian Sports Hall

Monday, 02 March 2026 , 09:35 AM

At least 20 volleyball players have been killed following a devastating rocket strike on a sports complex in the southern Iranian city of Lamerd. The news was confirmed by local authorities and reported by SNN Television and Modern.az.

According to reports, four rockets struck various locations across Iran’s Fars Province. One of these projectiles directly hit a sports hall in Lamerd while a training session and practice match were underway.

Casualties and Medical Emergency
The attack has left a trail of destruction and a high casualty count:

Fatalities: At least 20 athletes confirmed dead.

Injuries: Approximately 100 individuals wounded.

Medical Status: Victims have been rushed to local hospitals. Doctors warn that the death toll is likely to rise, as several of the injured remain in critical condition.

Regional Tension and Attribution
As of now, no group or state has officially claimed responsibility for the strike. While the incident occurs amidst heightened regional hostilities involving Israel and the United States, Israel has issued no formal statement regarding the incident.

Ongoing Investigation
Security forces and local authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the origin of the rockets and identify those responsible. The strike adds a grim new chapter to the ongoing instability in the region.