9 dead in escalating unrest as demonstrators set fire to police stations, stab regime enforcer

At least nine people have been killed as protests against the Islamist regime in Iran escalated Thursday, with protesters setting fire to police buildings and stabbing a regime enforcer.

Thousands of protesters have gathered across the country following the police-custody death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by Iranian morality police for not wearing a head covering. Protests have become increasingly violent in major cities like Tehran, where police stations and vehicles have gone up in flames.

Protesters also stabbed a member of the Basij, a pro-government paramilitary organization, according to Reuters. Iranian state media has suggested the death toll could be as high as 17.