At least five Iranian security personnel have been killed in two attacks claimed by a militant group in the Sistan-Baluchistan province, state media reported on Thursday.
“Five member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the police died as martyrs during two night-time terrorist attacks against a Guards base in Rask and a police post in Chabahar,” Majid Mirahmadi, vice minister of the interior, told state TV.
General Mohammad Pakpour, who heads the Guards’ land forces, said on television that 15 attackers were killed during clashes with security forces.Mirahmadi said more than 10 security force members were hurt during the clashes that began Wednesday evening.
The Jaish al-Adl (‘Army of Justice’ in Arabic) claimed the attacks on its Telegram channel. Formed in 2012, the organisation is listed as a “terrorist” group by Iran and also by the United States.
Jaish al-Adl claimed an attack in December that killed 11 officers, one of the deadliest attacks in years, at a police station in Sistan-Baluchistan’s city of Rask.
The group claimed another police station attack in Rask that killed one officer on January 10.
A week later, Iran said it retaliated with missiles and drones against Jaish al-Adl over the border in Pakistan. Pakistan then carried out retaliatory air strikes against “hideouts used by terrorist organisations”.
The rare cross-border fire added to regional tensions during the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip, but by late January the two countries sought to ease tensions.
Impoverished Sistan-Baluchistan province, which also borders Afghanistan, is one of the few mainly Sunni provinces in Shia-dominated Iran.
Pakistan condemns attack
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office (FO) released a statement unequivocally condemning the “heinous and dastardly terrorist attacks” in Iran.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the recovery of the injured. Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the people and government of Iran in fighting terrorism,” the FO spokesperson said.
“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and is deeply concerned about the growing acts of terrorism in our region. It is a regional and global threat that requires resolute response,” the spokesperson added.
Additional input by Abdullah Momand