[REVISION HISTORY]

Militant attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan

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2026-10-19 14:11 UTC → 2026-10-20 23:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Security forces in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province have experienced a surge in militant activity. The violence began with an armed assault on the Golshan Police Headquarters in Jalq, where an explosion was followed by gunmen using RPGs and other weaponry to target police personnel and vehicles. Local authorities characterized the incident as a ‘terrorist’ attack. In the following weeks, the scale of the violence increased, with at least eight security force members killed in various incidents. These fatalities included a police officer, a female Basij militia member, a senior IRGC commander, and a provincial official. Attacks have been reported near Mehrestan and along the eastern border with Pakistan, including strikes on a minibus and a police vehicle. Some violence has reportedly extended into the neighboring Kerman province. In response to the escalating unrest, Tehran has deployed military reinforcements, including approximately forty additional vehicles, to the area. While military helicopters have been observed near Iranshahr, the province—which contains the strategic Chabahar port—remains under high tension. Recent reports indicate the insurgency has reached its highest level in a decade, involving a coalition of Baloch militant factions known as the Popular Fighters Front (PFF). 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, and IRGC personnel. Analysts suggest this intensification poses a security dilemma for Tehran, potentially forcing the diversion of resources from other regional tensions to contain the unrest. Violence has recently escalated further, with increased bombings and clashes reported in the provincial capital, Zahedan, and surrounding areas. These incidents have resulted in casualties among the Revolutionary Guard, the Basij militia, and a Sunni cleric.

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