Image Credits - Al Jazeera
In the early hours of Friday, a devastating ambush took place in the city of Rask, located in Iran’s southeastern border province of Sistan-Baluchestan. The attack was carried out by a terrorist group known as Jaish al-Adl (Soldiers of Justice), targeting the Rask police headquarters. Tragically, this act of violence resulted in the loss of c1
1 Iranian police officers and soldiers.
Alireza Rahmati, the provincial deputy chief for security and police affairs, confirmed the casualties, stating, “Following the raid by the terrorist grouplet on the Rask police headquarters, 11 individuals were martyred.” Reports are suggesting that the death toll may rise to 12, with seven others sustaining injuries.
The Aftermath
To impede the arrival of backup forces, the terrorists reportedly blocked the routes leading to the police station. Seyyed Majid Mir-Ahmadi, the chief of the Interior Ministry Department for security and police affairs, revealed that one of the terrorists was apprehended alive, while two were killed at the scene and the remaining assailants managed to escape. It has been reported that the terrorists took the bodies of some of their comrades with them. Currently, the region is being cordoned off to capture the remaining terrorists.
The Investigation
A police team, led by the national deputy police chief, has been dispatched to the city of Rask to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Judiciary Chief Mohseni Ejeie expressed his condolences for the martyrdom of the policemen and assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. National Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi also issued a statement, instructing the prosecutor general of Sistan-Balouchestan to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the various aspects of the terrorist attack and to handle the matter with utmost seriousness.
The Jaish al-Adl group, an armed Sunni organization established in 2012, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Iran has designated this group as a “terror” organization. This group has previously carried out several similar attacks, including one in July that resulted in the death of four policemen during a patrol.
The province of Sistan-Baluchestan, where the attack occurred, has long been plagued by unrest caused by drug-smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baluchi minority, and hardline Sunni Muslims. Situated near Iran’s border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, this region has become one of the most dangerous in recent years.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the region and emphasizes the immediate need for peace and stability. As the inquiry advances, it is anticipated that the victims and their families will receive the justice they deserve. Moreover, this incident has brought attention to the broader issues of sectarian tension and economic disparity in the region, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive solutions to address these complex problems.