Iran’s armed forces on Sunday (27/10) killed at least four terrorists behind a deadly attack on police a day earlier in the country’s southeast.
News agency More And Tasnim reported that 10 police officers were killed after their vehicle was ambushed by a terrorist group in the Taftan area, Sistan-Baluchistan province.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) backed by intelligence forces and police on Sunday killed at least four terrorists suspected of being involved in the drone attack, said Tasnim, citing the IRGC.
“In this operation, four terrorists were killed, several were injured and escaped, and four others were captured,” he said.
“The operation to capture and destroy the remaining terrorists is still ongoing,” it said.
Official news agency IRNAciting a police statement, reported the deaths of 10 personnel in two patrol units in the ambush.
Sistan-Baluchistan borders Pakistan and Afghanistan and is one of the poorest provinces of the Islamic Republic.
Saturday’s attack was one of the deadliest in the region in recent months.
In early October, at least six people, including police officers, were killed in the province in two separate attacks.
Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for the two attacks in a message on Telegram.
Formed in 2012 by Baluch separatists, the group is considered a terrorist organization by Iran and the United States. (TRTWorld/Fer/P-3)
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**Interview with Dr. Amina Zand, Middle East Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Zand. There have been more reports of violence in Iran stemming from tensions with Sunni militants. Could you provide some context on the recent incidents?
**Dr. Zand:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the recent developments have been quite concerning. Iran has been dealing with various Sunni militant groups, often described in Tehran as “Takfiri” extremists—those who declare other Muslims as apostates. The recent ambush on police forces that resulted in the deaths of ten officers reflects the ongoing instability, particularly in southeastern Iran, which is home to various ethnic and sectarian tensions.
**Interviewer:** The Iranian government has stated they killed four militants following this ambush. How does this reflect Iran’s broader security strategy?
**Dr. Zand:** Iran’s response illustrates their commitment to countering what they consider terrorism, particularly from groups aligned with Sunni extremism. By carrying out retaliatory strikes, they aim to deter further violence and assert their control over security in regions susceptible to such attacks. It’s also a message to their domestic audiences about their resolve in maintaining order.
**Interviewer:** The use of the term “Takfiri” is quite specific. Why is the distinction between Sunni and Shia so significant in this context?
**Dr. Zand:** The term “Takfiri” underscores a deep-seated historical and theological divide between Sunni and Shia Islam. In Iran, where Shia Islam is the state religion, this label is used to justify actions against groups perceived as not only radical but also inherently threatening to Shia Muslims. This distinction fuels both internal security policies and regional dynamics, as Sunni militant groups operate across borders and often have transnational links.
**Interviewer:** Given the tensions and the consequences of such violence, what do you think could be done to address the underlying issues?
**Dr. Zand:** Addressing these tensions requires a multi-faceted approach. There needs to be more engagement and dialogue among different sectarian groups within Iran and across the region. Additionally, socioeconomic development in marginalized areas could help reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies. Unfortunately, geopolitical dynamics often complicate these efforts, but fostering understanding and cooperation is essential for any long-term solution.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Zand, for your insights. It’s crucial to keep an eye on these developments in the region.
**Dr. Zand:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to discuss these issues as they evolve.
