Iran Recruits Kids for Militia Patrols

0:00On March 31st, an 11-year-old boy in Iran got killed in what locals call an Israeli drone strike while helping his dad at a security checkpoint in. Tehran, on March 11th, his death is shining a light on a fresh push by the revolutionary guard to sign up kids 12 and older as volunteers for the Basis militia, putting them on patrols and checkpoints to keep order. Officials say this new program, called Homeland Defender Fighters for Iran, will recruit at mosques and rally spots around the city. The Basis is this huge volunteer force under the guard, often outcracking down on protests, and they've been short staff lately amidst strikes. Eyewitnesses in Tehran, Karaj and Rocht report seeing armed teens and even younger kids manning checkpoints, stopping cars, and patrolling at night. With flags and speakers, folks describe them as short, slight, sometimes mask, looking scared but right in the mix with adults. Human rights groups are slamming it as a stray violation, especially for under 15s,

1:02calling it a war crime and no excuse for risking kids just, for manpower. Experts point out it breaks international rules and upstangers from untrained youth who might spark more violence. This move screams desperation from the regime, struggling to get adults on board while tensions boil over. As sightings keep coming in despite blackouts, it raises big questions about who's really holding the line in Iran's streets. That's the story for today. Global News Today, Driven by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.