The Revolutionary Guards were the target of the attacks (archive image). — © via REUTERS
In southeastern Iran, militants have carried out a large-scale attack on military bases of the powerful Revolutionary Guard. Fifteen attackers and five members of security forces were killed, state news agency Irna quoted Revolutionary Guards land force commander Mohammed Pakpur as saying.
The attacks took place on the night of Wednesday to Thursday in the cities of Rask and Chabahar, in the province of Sistan and Balochistan. There is talk of a “foiled terrorist attack”. According to Iranian media, security forces regained control of the cities on Thursday morning.
The militant group Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for the attack. He claims to be fighting for independence in southeastern Iran. A few months ago, Rask was already the scene of fighting between the group and Iranian security forces. On Telegram, Jaish al-Adl claims to have attacked at least six military bases. Residents of the region are urged to stay in their homes.
The information cannot be independently verified. Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni rebel group, has stepped up its attacks in the past year. Most residents of Sistan and Balochistan province follow the Sunni branch of Islam, as opposed to the Shia state religion. Iran and the United States designate Jaish al-Adl as a terrorist organization.
In mid-January, members of the Revolutionary Guard targeted positions of the militant group in neighboring Pakistan. Jaish al-Adl operates from that country. The situation is causing tensions between Tehran and Islamabad.