ALBAWABA - Iranian media reported a deadly armed attack on a police patrol in the city of Iranshahr, located in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeastern Iran. According to Fars News Agency, unknown gunmen opened fire on a FARAJA police vehicle during a routine patrol, leaving at least 10 officers dead and several others wounded.
The attack took place in the Koharkuh area of Taftan city, where armed assailants ambushed the patrol while it was returning to the police station. Iranian officials described the incident as a “terrorist attack” targeting members of the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA).
A senior police officer from Sistan and Baluchestan confirmed that the clash involved heavy gunfire between unidentified militants and the police, resulting in multiple fatalities among the security forces. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Iranian Interior Ministry condemned the attack and announced the formation of a special investigative committee consisting of senior police commanders and ministry representatives. The team has been tasked with examining the circumstances of the incident and providing transparent updates to the public.
The ministry confirmed that the victims were responding to emergency calls from residents when they were ambushed. The Interior Minister described the assault as a “cowardly terrorist act” and vowed to pursue those responsible.
Rising Wave of Violence in Sistan and Baluchestan
Sistan and Baluchestan, a restive province on the Iran-Pakistan border, has long witnessed clashes between security forces and armed groups. These groups, including Sunni militants and separatists, claim to be fighting for greater rights and autonomy, while Iran accuses them of having links to foreign powers, smuggling operations, and insurgent activities.
In the city of Bent, an armed assault on a school killed four people, including three military personnel. Among the victims were Parviz Kadkhodaei, commander of the Revolutionary Guard Basij Forces in the city, and Yousef Shirani, head of the local municipal council.
The opposition group “Jaish al-Adl” (Army of Justice) has claimed responsibility for several recent assaults in Sistan and Baluchestan, though it has not yet confirmed involvement in the Iranshahr incident.
Security Concerns Mount
The Iranshahr attack underscores the growing security challenges facing Iranian authorities in Sistan and Baluchestan, a province marked by ethnic tensions, cross-border militancy, and repeated insurgent attacks. Analysts warn that unless comprehensive security measures are introduced, the region could see further escalation of violence in the coming months.
