Iranian authorities announced that two people were martyred and 11 others were injured following a U.S. attack that targeted the passenger terminal at the Shalamcheh border crossing in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran, early Thursday morning, according to Valiollah Hayati, Deputy Governor of Khuzestan for Security and Police Affairs.

Valiollah Hayati stated that the attack struck the passenger terminal at the border crossing with Iraq, confirming that transit through the crossing remains ongoing and relief operations at the site are continuing.

He added that authorities are continuing to follow up on the repercussions of the attack, noting that the movement of pilgrims across the Shalamcheh border is still taking place despite the damage inflicted on the facility.

The strike on the Shalamcheh crossing represents a direct targeting of civilians, as the border port between Iran and Iraq is currently witnessing large turnouts of pilgrims—men, women, and children—traveling to mark the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in the city of Karbala.

Located near the Iranian city of Khorramshahr and close to the Iraqi city of Basra, the Shalamcheh border crossing is one of the most vital land ports between Iran and Iraq. It experiences heavy traffic during religious pilgrimage seasons, particularly during the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).