Baloch insurgency intensifies in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province

Armed clashes in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan have reached their highest level in a decade. The escalation involves a coalition of diverse Baloch militant factions known as the Popular Fighters Front (PFF), which was formed in December 2025. This umbrella group includes Jaish-ul-Adl, PADA Baluch, Harakate Nasr Baluchestan, and the Mohammad Rasulullah Brigade.

Since January 2026, at least 37 armed attacks have been reported targeting police stations, military bases, checkpoints, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) personnel. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), approximately 70 armed confrontations occurred in the province during 2026. The militants utilize hit-and-run tactics, roadside bombs, and shootings to target security forces, including the Basij paramilitary force.

Analysts suggest this internal instability poses a significant security dilemma for Tehran, as the government faces simultaneous military and economic pressures. The intensification of the insurgency occurs while Iran remains engaged in tensions with the United States and Israel, potentially forcing the state to divert security resources to contain the unrest in its restive southeastern border region.