The death toll from Iran’s ongoing crackdown on anti-government protests has surpassed 6,100, according to a US-based human rights group, as the United States deploys additional military assets to the Middle East and Tehran warns neighboring countries against aiding any potential attacks.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said at least 6,159 people have been killed since demonstrations erupted across Iran. The group added that many more deaths are feared, particularly as Iranian authorities have shut down internet access for a third consecutive week, making verification difficult.

HRANA, which gathers information through a network of activists inside Iran, reported that among the dead are 5,804 protesters, 214 members of the security forces, 92 children, and 49 civilians not involved in the protests. The organization also said that at least 42,200 people have been arrested nationwide.

The Iranian government has released significantly lower figures, putting the official death toll at 3,117. Tehran claims that 2,427 of those killed were civilians and security personnel, while describing the remaining victims as “terrorists.” Iranian authorities have frequently been accused by rights groups of underreporting casualties during periods of unrest.

The latest figures emerged as the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, arrived in the region. The deployment gives Washington and its allies expanded military options without relying on bases in Gulf countries, several of which have expressed a desire to stay out of any conflict involving Iran.

The US Air Force also announced a multi-day military exercise in the Middle East aimed at demonstrating its ability to “deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower” across the region. Details regarding the timing and location of the drills were not disclosed.

Iranian officials have responded by issuing strong warnings to neighboring states. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a representative of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces, told Iran’s state-run Fars news agency that any country allowing its territory, airspace, or waters to be used for attacks on Iran would be considered “hostile.”

“Neighboring countries are our friends,” Akbarzadeh said, “but if their soil, sky, or waters are used against Iran, they will be considered hostile.”

Meanwhile, Iran-aligned armed groups across the region have voiced support for Tehran. Yemen’s Houthi rebels warned that any attack on Iran would result in those responsible facing “the bitterest forms of death.” Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said the Lebanese group is prepared for “possible aggression” and is determined to defend Iran if necessary.