Iranian security forces battled a fierce and prolonged terrorist attack by a militant separatist group in the southwest province of Sistan Baluchestan, resulting in the deaths of 10 security officers and 18 militants, according to the Ministry of Interior.
The intense gunfights in the streets of Chabahar and Rask lasted nearly 17 hours, with state television broadcasting footage of gunmen running amidst explosions and gunfire. The attackers, identified as Jaish al-Adl, a designated terrorist organization by the United States, attempted to take over military bases belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Iran’s deputy interior minister, Majid Mirahmadi, stated that the militants entered homes and took civilians hostage, using them as human shields. However, security forces managed to release the hostages. The attackers also wore explosive vests, with some detonating themselves during the fighting.
The attacks come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Israeli airstrikes on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus earlier in the week. Iranian officials had vowed to retaliate against Israel, and the recent attacks in Sistan Baluchestan further escalate the situation.
The province, near the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan, is known for its restive nature and the presence of various militant groups. The population, predominantly ethnic Baluch and Sunni, has long accused the central Shiite government of discrimination.
Jaish al-Adl claimed that the aim of the attack was to stop Iran’s development of an area known as Makan, on the shores of the Persian Gulf, which they believed compromised the Sunni-dominated demographic.
The Revolutionary Guards issued a warning, stating that the security of the Iranian people is a red line and that Iran’s enemies, including regional and terrorist groups, would be forcefully confronted. State television also blamed Israel for ordering the attacks.
The attacks have shocked residents in the region, with videos showing the aftermath of the violence and testimonies from those affected. The situation remains tense, with concerns about further escalations and the impact on the Iranian people.
Analysts point to the adeptness of the militants and the challenges they pose to Iranian authorities, especially given the ongoing attacks and tensions in the region. The timing of the attacks, amidst direct threats from Israel and compromised intelligence systems, adds to the complexity of the situation.
