‘My daughter is under the rubble’: Inside Tehran as civilian toll of strikes rises
‘My daughter is under the rubble’: Inside Tehran as civilian toll of strikes rises
Resalat, a district in eastern Tehran, has become a symbol of the escalating conflict. For days, a mother clung to hope, calling out for her daughter trapped beneath the debris of their former home. “They lack the personnel to save her,” she said, her voice breaking. “My daughter is under the rubble… she’s afraid of the dark.”
As Iran’s war with the US and Israel intensifies, civilian lives are increasingly caught in the crossfire. The strikes, targeting state infrastructure, have sparked a wave of casualties in nearby areas. The BBC has compiled exclusive footage from independent journalists inside the city, capturing the aftermath and testimonies of those affected. Despite the war’s outbreak, the BBC has had limited access to Iran, relying on on-the-ground reporting to piece together the story.
The destruction in Resalat was swift. An Israeli air strike on 9 March obliterated a multi-storey building where dozens of families had once lived. Among the victims was a woman and her young daughter, who were found dead days later. Her husband, however, survived, describing the chaos as “so sudden” and the loss as “everything… gone.” Another resident, a 55-year-old man, recounted being thrown across the room by the blast. “I don’t have anything now,” he said, his words heavy with despair.
Local reports estimate between 40 and 50 people perished in the single attack. Those displaced now reside in a nearby hotel, their lives upended. “This was our life,” the man added, echoing the sentiment of many. The Israel Defense Forces claimed the strike targeted a military facility linked to the Basij paramilitary group. Yet, analysis of the aftermath reveals the damage spread far beyond the intended site, with satellite images showing at least four buildings devastated in quick succession.
Experts suggest the use of large bombs, such as the Mark 84 series, which weigh 2,000lb (907kg) and are equipped with precision guidance. These bombs, capable of causing widespread destruction, were likely deployed from the skies. Unexploded ordnance of similar type has been spotted in the city, raising concerns about lingering threats. The UN has previously warned against using such weapons in densely populated zones, citing the risk to civilians.
BBC Eye’s analysis indicates the blast’s reach extended up to 65 meters, damaging structures beyond the immediate target. Survivors described multiple explosions in rapid succession, with one recounting, “They hit three times… I tried to stand up, but the rubble came down on my head.” The scale of the strikes, with over 12,000 bombs dropped across Iran and 3,600 specifically in Tehran, underscores the intensity of the conflict. Targets include police stations, Basij buildings, and military installations, often situated in bustling civilian areas.