Missing Butcher Holds Family Hope After Complex Strike

A young Iranian butcher who had worked for two decades finally opened his own shop just before the Persian New Year. He was last seen after a double strike hit the commercial complex where his shop sat, destroying homes, stores and a laundry floor. Every day since, two of his older brothers have scoured the wreckage for any sign of him. Despite relentless searches by teams with tractors and recovery gear, they have only found his car key and jacket. He remains the sole person unaccounted for after the attack, while bodies of six victims have been recovered and 18 survivors rescued. The strike came within seconds of noon, hitting a building that had no military use. The incident is part of a larger campaign that has already targeted over 80, 000 civilian structures. Experts say the attacks have damaged nearly 500 schools and more than 260 medical facilities, though claims that civilians are not targeted persist. The crater left by the blast 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 reaching survivors in underground garages. The shockwave damaged surrounding buildings, blowing out windows on one structure. The butcher’s family reports that he left his shop after it closed for the first two weeks of war, citing holiday demand from customers. His brother recalls his insistence on serving people despite family pleas to stay home. The youngest of seven siblings remains in the spotlight, his disappearance a painful focus for the family. 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.