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A cancer hospital in Iran's southwestern city of Ahvaz was temporarily taken out of service after US airstrikes near the facility forced the evacuation of 211 patients, including children undergoing chemotherapy, Iranian state media reported.The strikes late Wednesday targeted areas near Shahid Baghaei Hospital, a specialised centre for haematology and oncology in Khuzestan province. The shockwaves from the explosions affected the facility, prompting authorities to evacuate patients to other medical centres.
"Some people had children in their arms, some had IVs in their hands and some were in wheelchairs. Everyone went outside," a staff member told Al Jazeera.Iran's state-run IRNA news agency said the evacuation was carried out "to protect the lives of patients," adding that the hospital has been temporarily taken out of service. No casualties have been reported.
Iran condemns 'barbaric' attack
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman has condemned a US strike near a children's cancer hospital in Ahvaz as a "barbaric war crime," saying the attack forced the emergency evacuation of 211 patients undergoing chemotherapy.
"Shahid Baqaei Hospital, a children's cancer treatment centre in Ahvaz, was evacuated last night after the US attacked a nearby location," Esmaeil Baghaei said on X.
"This barbaric attack, reminiscent of Israel's atrocities against healthcare facilities, caused severe suffering and anxiety upon the hospitalised children, and forced the emergency evacuation of 211 patients undergoing chemotherapy."Baghaei added: "This constitutes a cowardly war crime against the most innocent of human beings — children who are bravely fighting for their lives.
Those who ceaselessly preach human rights, yet deliberately turn a blind eye to the targeting of hospitals and health centers, have forfeited every shred of moral credibility."The Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences confirmed all patients were transferred to other hospitals and their treatment continues without interruption. Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, published an image of the hospital's entrance showing an IRGC logo and the words "Ground Forces" inscribed on the sign.There was no immediate US response. The US has carried out several waves of strikes on Iran's southern regions in recent days, saying the operations were aimed at "degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping" in the Strait of Hormuz.
