A Reuters investigation has revealed that a girls school bombing in Iran may have resulted from outdated targeting data, raising serious concerns about how military strike locations are verified during the ongoing Iran war. The Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls School in the city of Minab was struck on February 28, the first day of the conflict, causing devastating loss of life.
The school had maintained a years long online presence, including a website displaying photos of students, school activities, and classrooms. Archived versions of the site showed students wearing pink and white uniforms while participating in school programs and daily activities. The existence of this information has raised questions about how the building was identified as a potential target.
According to Iranian officials, the attack killed around 175 people, including approximately 150 schoolgirls. While Reuters could not independently verify the exact death toll, the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed the fatalities were significant and the strike caused major destruction.
Satellite imagery and post strike analysis indicate that the school was located close to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military compound. The school building stood on the northern edge of the compound and was separated from the military facilities by a painted wall with bright murals. Analysts believe multiple precision munitions, including a possible Tomahawk cruise missile, hit the area during the attack.
Experts reviewing satellite data and video footage concluded that at least seven separate explosions occurred across the compound. The strikes damaged several nearby buildings and completely destroyed the school structure.
Two sources familiar with the investigation told Reuters that outdated targeting data may have led to the mistake. Defence analysts explained that military forces often rely on longstanding target lists, which may not always reflect recent changes such as the construction or conversion of civilian buildings.
The Pentagon has confirmed that the strike is currently under investigation, but officials have not yet commented on the school’s online presence or the intelligence used to identify the target.
The tragic girls school bombing has intensified international debate over military targeting procedures, particularly in densely populated areas where civilian infrastructure and military facilities exist close together.
