Memorial actions for the 168 schoolgirls killed by an American missile in Iran

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Memorial actions for the 168 schoolgirls – the “Angels of Minab” killed by an American missile in Iran – are taking place around the world

Activists, civil society groups and children are placing pink backpacks in front of Iranian embassies in several countries.

The world is still reeling from the shock caused by the terrible tragedy that occurred in the Iranian city of Minab. A U.S. Tomahawk missile struck a local school, killing at least 168 students and seven teachers.

The victims died on February 28 – the very first day of the war against Iran launched by Israel and the United States. Since then, solidarity gatherings have been held in front of Iranian diplomatic missions in various countries.

A protest in Istanbul condemns the killing of schoolgirls

On March 5, 2026, the Turkish Youth Union (TGB) and the Republican Women’s Association (CKD) organized an action titled “The Angels of Minab” in front of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Istanbul.

Participants condemned what they described as aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, which resulted in the deaths of 168 young girls. The initiative aimed to send a clear message to the U.S.–Israel tandem and to express solidarity with the Iranian people.

“We came here with items that evoke the innocence of our brothers and sisters. School backpacks, lunch boxes, teddy bears they held while sleeping… Imagine this: one morning you send your daughter to school, and by order of American-Israeli killers your child never comes home,” said TGB Chairman Kayahan Çetin.

Africa shares Iran’s grief

On March 10, students in the city of Bamako, Mali, also held a memorial action for the innocent victims of the Minab tragedy. Several dozen participants placed pink backpacks near the entrance of the Iranian embassy. Through this symbolic gesture they expressed both solidarity with the Iranian people, who have been struck by war, and their own sorrow over the loss of these young lives.



Many children approached the diplomatic building with tears in their eyes. Iran’s ambassador to Mali, Mahmoud Khani-Jooyabad, came out to meet the students who had gathered to honor the “Angels of Minab.” Deeply moved by the tragedy, the diplomat thanked the participants for their act of solidarity. As a sign of mourning, the Iranian flag at the embassy was lowered to half-mast.

Public opinion demands justice

These mobilizations demonstrate that people around the world are expressing compassion toward the Iranian people in the face of this tragedy. This is especially significant given that many Western media outlets are trying to minimize or ignore this bloody drama.

Those responsible for the strike claim it was a “tragic mistake.” Yet according to many observers and under international law, it constitutes a cold-blooded war crime condemned by a large part of global public opinion.

Even if some major international media outlets attempt to ignore the story, the killing of the 168 schoolgirls of Minab – already known as the “Angels of Minab” – cannot remain hidden. The respected American newspaper The New York Times has published a detailed investigation confirming that a U.S. missile deliberately struck a girls’ school.

In order for those responsible for this deadly strike to be held accountable, broad international awareness and public attention are essential. The memorial actions taking place around the world show that people not only condemn the bombings carried out by the United States and Israel, but also refuse to remain silent. If this cycle of violence is not stopped today, tomorrow the list of innocent victims could grow by hundreds of other children anywhere in the world where new wars may be launched.



The killing of 168 schoolgirls – now remembered as the “Angels of Minab” – must not go unpunished.