TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) on Tuesday said a red travel alert has been issued for Iran amid a nationwide crackdown on anti-government protests, but all five Taiwanese citizens in the country are reported safe.

Time magazine reported Monday that deaths among protesters caused by Iranian security forces could number in the thousands, per CNA. Although the Iranian government has blocked internet access, cell phone footage leaked on social media shows machine guns mounted on trucks firing into the streets, hospitals overcrowded with wounded, and mortuaries filled with corpses.

Hsiao said the ministry is keeping close watch on the situation and maintaining contact with the Commercial Office of Taipei in Dubai, which covers Iran affairs. The ministry is also in contact with Taiwanese citizens in Iran through overseas networks.

He said that the Dubai office is ready to implement emergency response plans to protect overseas nationals. The ministry will continue to adjust travel advisories and take necessary measures based on developments.

According to the ministry's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Iran’s travel advisory was updated on Jan. 7 to “Level 4: Red - Leave the country immediately.” The ministry cited ongoing unrest and warned citizens not to travel to Iran, while those already in the country should be on alert.

The protests, now in their 17th day, began over economic hardships but have escalated into anti-government demonstrations, per The Times of Israel. Protesters are opposing the theocratic regime established after the 1979 revolution. 

Iranian authorities have labeled the demonstrators as “rioters” allegedly backed by the US and Israel. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 10,600 people have been detained.