Sistan-Baluchistan: A Flashpoint for Cross-Border Attacks
Iranian Armed Forces Kill 4 Extremists in Restive Southeast Province
Iranian armed forces have killed four extremists after a deadly attack on a police station in the restive southeast province of Sistan-Baluchistan, bringing the death toll to eight. The attack was carried out by extremists from the Pakistani-based Jaish al-Adl group, who killed 10 police officers on October 26.
Operation Against Extremists
According to Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Shafahi, a total of eight terrorists have been killed during operations in the province. Fourteen other terrorists have been arrested, including key figures involved in the Taftan attack. Security forces have also seized a large amount of weapons and ammunition.
Jihadists Not Iranian Nationals
Late Monday, Irna quoted Guards ground forces commander Mohammad Pakpour as saying that the jihadists who carried out the October 26 attack "were not Iranian", without specifying their nationalities.
Sistan-Baluchistan: A Region of Poverty and Conflict
Sistan-Baluchistan straddles the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is one of the Islamic republic’s most impoverished provinces. It has long been a flashpoint for cross-border attacks by separatists and Sunni extremists, and clashes between security forces and armed groups are common.
Recent Attacks
In early October, at least six people, including police officers, were killed in the province in two separate attacks. The group Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for these attacks on Telegram.
Background on Jaish al-Adl
Formed in 2012 by Baluch separatists, Jaish al-Adl is considered a "terrorist organisation" by both Iran and the US. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, including the October 26 attack that killed 10 police officers.
Conclusion
The recent attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by the Iranian government in the region. The province’s poverty and geographic proximity to Afghanistan and Pakistan make it a prime target for cross-border attacks by separatists and Sunni extremists.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Jaish al-Adl?
- Jaish al-Adl is a Pakistani-based terrorist group formed in 2012 by Baluch separatists.
- What is the current death toll from the recent attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan?
- The death toll is currently at eight, with four extremists killed and four police officers killed in the initial attack.
- What is the status of the arrested terrorists?
- Fourteen terrorists have been arrested, including key figures involved in the Taftan attack.