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Iranian security forces launched an operation against the Jaish al-Adl separatist jihadist group in southeastern Iran on September 12, killing and wounding what authorities described as a large number of fighters.
The operation began in the early hours in Saravan County in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Deputy Provincial Governor Ali Khalilabadi said, adding that the operation was aimed at clearing the area of militants who had gathered there.
“A group intended to disrupt public order and carry out terrorist attacks. Its members had gathered at a location in Saravan County,” Khalilabadi said.
He said the situation was under control after clashes between security forces and the militants, without providing a precise casualty figure.
Reports from Saravan indicated that the surprise security operation began early in the morning and continued for several hours.
Iran International, citing the Baloch-focused Haalvsh news organization and local sources, reported that dozens of security personnel entered the area and that residents heard at least 14 explosions as well as sustained gunfire around the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, Revolution Street and the area around an intelligence office and prison.
There were conflicting reports about casualties. Free Press Kashmir, citing reports from the area, said at least three Iranian soldiers were killed and others wounded during the operation, and that several militants were also killed. These claims are yet to be verified.
The operation comes days after two members of Iran’s Basij volunteer force were killed in an attack on their vehicle in Zahedan County, also in Sistan and Baluchestan. Khalilabadi previously described that attack as “cowardly,” saying the two men, identified as Kayvan Ramroudi and Abolfazl Oudi, “bravely held their position” before they were killed.
Iran has faced repeated attacks by armed groups in Sistan and Baluchestan, a province bordering Pakistan that has been a major security flashpoint for years. Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni separatist jihadist group based in the region, has claimed responsibility for several attacks against Iranian security forces.
Iranian officials have repeatedly accused foreign actors of supporting armed groups operating in the country’s southeastern and southwestern regions, even hinting at the United States and Israel.
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