Iranian security forces have killed 13 militants in a raid in Sistan-Baluchistan, a troubled southeastern province that has long witnessed clashes between armed groups and the government. The operation, announced on Wednesday, was carried out by the Revolutionary Guards in different parts of the province, including Iranshahr, Khash, and Saravan.
According to a statement by the Revolutionary Guards reported on state television, 13 “terrorists” were killed while several others were arrested during the coordinated operations. Officials said those targeted were suspected members of a militant group behind a recent ambush that claimed the lives of five policemen in Iranshahr on Friday.
The attack on the police had raised tensions in the already volatile region. Iran’s state broadcaster noted that some of the suspects killed in the latest operation were believed to have played a role in that deadly ambush. The militants are suspected to be linked to Sunni jihadist group Jaish al-Adl, also known as the Army of Justice, which has previously claimed responsibility for several violent attacks in the province.
The restive Sistan-Baluchistan province, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has become a flashpoint for violent confrontations. The region is home to a large Sunni Muslim Baluch minority, while the majority of Iran’s population is Shiite. The province is considered one of the poorest in Iran and has a history of tension with central authorities. Over the years, the area has also seen significant activities from drug traffickers, separatists, and militant groups.
Jaish al-Adl, which Iran accuses of having ties with foreign powers, has carried out deadly ambushes and bombings targeting both police and the Revolutionary Guards. The group uses social media platforms such as Telegram to claim responsibility for attacks. Iranian authorities often link such groups to Iran’s rivals, including Israel and other hostile governments.
Just last Saturday, Iranian forces killed six other militants in another raid in the province. Officials said the militants were members of a group allegedly connected to Israel, describing the confrontation as part of ongoing efforts to counter destabilisation plots in the region.
Over the years, Iranian forces have stepped up military operations in Sistan-Baluchistan to suppress militant activity, but attacks have continued. The region’s rugged terrain and its borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan make it a strategic route for smugglers and armed groups. Security experts say the porous borders have made it difficult for Iran to completely control the area despite heavy military presence.
The Revolutionary Guards, known as the ideological arm of Iran’s military, have been leading the crackdown. They argue that operations like this are necessary to protect the country’s security and prevent insurgent groups from destabilising the region.
Sistan-Baluchistan’s poverty and lack of development have also contributed to growing unrest, with locals often accusing the government of neglect and discrimination. These grievances, combined with the activities of militant groups, have created a cycle of violence that has left the province unstable.
Iranian authorities frequently report deadly raids, ambushes, and counter-terrorism operations in the province. While the government has promised more investment and development, critics say security measures dominate the state’s approach, leaving underlying economic and social issues unresolved.
The latest raid is likely to heighten tensions in the province as the Revolutionary Guards continue to pursue suspected militants. For now, the death of 13 alleged fighters marks one of the heaviest clashes in recent months. With Jaish al-Adl and other groups still active in the region, analysts believe that Sistan-Baluchistan will remain a hotspot of insecurity for Iran in the near future.
