On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, a sudden attack in the remote expanses of Sistan and Baluchistan province, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, sent shockwaves throughout Iran. A police convoy was ambushed, resulting in the death of six policemen and the injury of two others.
The attackers, identified by Iran’s state-affiliated Young Journalists Club as part of the militant group Jaish al-Adl, executed the assault with deadly accuracy. The group, fighting for the rights of the ethnic Baluch minority, has not only drawn the attention of Iran but also of several other countries that label them as a terrorist organization.
This attack is part of a growing trend of violence aimed at security forces in the province. Evidence of this escalating issue can be seen in a similar attack that occurred just a few weeks prior, resulting in the deaths of 10 Iranian soldiers and 18 militants, with more casualties succumbing to their injuries later.
Known as “Army of Justice” in English, Jaish ul-Adl is a Sunni Islamic and Baluchi separatist group primarily active in this region. The organization is known for its involvement in several attacks against Iran’s military forces.
Jaish ul-Adl is linked to Ansar Al-Furqan, another Baloch militant group operating within Iran’s borders. Following the death of his brother, Amir Naroui, at the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Salahuddin Farooqui assumed leadership of Jaish ul-Adl.
The province of Sistan and Baluchistan is not just a battleground for these conflicts, but it also plays a significant role in this ongoing struggle. As one of Iran’s most impoverished regions, it carries the burden of historical grievances and neglect. The predominantly Sunni Muslim population of this province finds itself in conflict with Iran’s Shiite theocracy, leading to unrest and discontent.
The recent attack underscores the worsening security situation in a region already fraught with difficulties. Given its strategic location on the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sistan and Baluchistan have often been the site of violent confrontations involving militants, armed drug traffickers, and Iranian security forces.
A website affiliated with Iran’s state broadcasting company shared the group’s claim of responsibility for the attack.
The consequences of these conflicts extend beyond the loss of lives. The residents of the province, caught in the crossfire between militants and the state’s security forces, face a life marked by fear, instability, and uncertainty. The limited development of the province and the strained relationship between its Sunni residents and the Shiite-led government add to the problem, providing a fertile ground for resentment and radicalization.
