Missing Butcher Holds Family Hope After Complex Strike

A Young Butcher’s Silent Disappearance

The tragedy unfolded just before the Persian New Year, when a double strike devastated a commercial complex that housed a new butcher shop.

The Shop: A young Iranian butcher, who had spent twenty years working for others, finally opened his own shop. The strike hit the complex where his shop sat, destroying homes, stores, and a laundry floor.
The Search: Two older brothers have been combing the wreckage daily, looking for any sign of him. Despite exhaustive searches with tractors and recovery gear, they have only found his car key and jacket.
Casualties: He remains the sole missing person after the attack. Six bodies have been recovered, and 18 survivors rescued.
Timing: The strike struck within seconds of noon, targeting a building with no military use.
Broader Context: The incident is part of a larger campaign that has already targeted over 80,000 civilian structures. Experts report damage to nearly 500 schools and more than 260 medical facilities.
Current Scene: The crater still holds piles of rubble, and a nearby tree bears blackened clothing. Rescue workers describe frantic scenes: trapped people calling for help, teams digging through debris, and survivors being reached in underground garages. The shockwave damaged surrounding buildings, blowing out windows on one structure.
Family Perspective: The butcher’s family says he left his shop after it closed for the first two weeks of war, citing holiday demand. His brother recalls his insistence on serving people despite pleas to stay home. The youngest of seven siblings remains in the spotlight, his disappearance a painful focus for the family.
Hope Amid Despair: The brothers hold onto hope. One says, “God willing we will find him safe,” while another stands near the ruined shop holding his infant. The lack of any trace adds to their anguish, yet faith keeps them moving forward.

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