TEHRAN: Thousands of residents in southern Iran have reportedly been left without access to drinking water after US airstrikes struck critical water infrastructure in the port town of Sirik, according to Iranian state media on Wednesday.
The disruption follows a series of military strikes carried out by the United States against locations in southern Iran, including the cities of Jask and Sirik as well as Qeshm Island, situated in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media reports said the attacks caused significant damage to two water reservoirs that supply the Bemani and Kouhestak districts of Sirik, resulting in an interruption of drinking water services for thousands of local residents.
The strikes came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. US officials said the military action was launched after Iran allegedly shot down a US Army Apache helicopter operating over Gulf waters. The incident has further intensified an already volatile security situation in the region.
State media in Iran described the damage to the reservoirs as a serious blow to local infrastructure, with authorities assessing the extent of the destruction and working to restore essential services. No immediate timeline has been announced for the resumption of normal water supplies.
Sirik, located along Iran’s southern coastline, relies heavily on local water storage and distribution facilities to meet the needs of its population. Damage to such infrastructure can have immediate consequences for residents, particularly in the region’s hot climate where access to clean drinking water is critical.
There was no immediate information regarding casualties linked to the strikes on the water facilities. However, reports indicated that the attacks affected civilian infrastructure, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact on local communities.
The latest developments underscore the growing strain in relations between the United States and Iran, with both sides accusing each other of actions that threaten regional stability.
Analysts warn that continued military exchanges could further heighten tensions across the Gulf region and disrupt essential services for civilian populations.
