Armed Attack on Courthouse Leaves Nine Dead in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan Province
Attack by Sunni Jaish Al-Adl Baluch group results in deaths of nine, including three assailants, and injuries to 22.
At least nine people were killed in an armed attack on a courthouse in Iran's restive Sistan-Baluchistan province on Saturday, with the casualties including three members of the Sunni Jaish Al-Adl Baluch group, according to state media.
The violence left another 22 individuals injured, as reported by the authorities.
The clashes, which took place in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchistan, involved the assailants engaging with security forces.
Jaish Al-Adl has confirmed the deaths of its three members during these confrontations.
The province, located on Iran's border with Pakistan and Afghanistan, is predominantly inhabited by the country’s Sunni Muslim Baluch minority.
This group has historically accused the government of economic marginalization and political exclusion.
Among those killed were a 60-year-old woman, a toddler, three soldiers, and law enforcement officers stationed at the courthouse.
The head of the province's judiciary revealed that at least six individuals lost their lives during this incident; however, he did not disclose further information about the sixth fatality.
The attackers reportedly donned explosive vests and possessed grenades, though it remains unclear if these were detonated.
Following the attack, Jaish Al-Adl claimed responsibility through its Telegram account.
In a statement, the group asserted that they targeted judges and court employees, accusing them of issuing death sentences and demolition orders against Baluch citizens.
The statement also warned judiciary members that they would face retribution due to their actions.
The rights organization HAALVSH cited eyewitnesses stating that several judiciary staff and security personnel were killed or injured when the assailants stormed the judges' chambers.
Sistan-Baluchistan frequently experiences clashes between security forces and armed groups, including Sunni separatists who demand greater autonomy and human rights for the Baluch minority.
Tehran accuses these groups of maintaining ties with foreign entities and engaging in cross-border activities such as smuggling and insurgency.
The violence left another 22 individuals injured, as reported by the authorities.
The clashes, which took place in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchistan, involved the assailants engaging with security forces.
Jaish Al-Adl has confirmed the deaths of its three members during these confrontations.
The province, located on Iran's border with Pakistan and Afghanistan, is predominantly inhabited by the country’s Sunni Muslim Baluch minority.
This group has historically accused the government of economic marginalization and political exclusion.
Among those killed were a 60-year-old woman, a toddler, three soldiers, and law enforcement officers stationed at the courthouse.
The head of the province's judiciary revealed that at least six individuals lost their lives during this incident; however, he did not disclose further information about the sixth fatality.
The attackers reportedly donned explosive vests and possessed grenades, though it remains unclear if these were detonated.
Following the attack, Jaish Al-Adl claimed responsibility through its Telegram account.
In a statement, the group asserted that they targeted judges and court employees, accusing them of issuing death sentences and demolition orders against Baluch citizens.
The statement also warned judiciary members that they would face retribution due to their actions.
The rights organization HAALVSH cited eyewitnesses stating that several judiciary staff and security personnel were killed or injured when the assailants stormed the judges' chambers.
Sistan-Baluchistan frequently experiences clashes between security forces and armed groups, including Sunni separatists who demand greater autonomy and human rights for the Baluch minority.
Tehran accuses these groups of maintaining ties with foreign entities and engaging in cross-border activities such as smuggling and insurgency.