Iranian Policeman Killed in Clash in Restive Southeast

A police officer was killed and another wounded in southeastern Iran on Saturday during a shootout with armed assailants, news agencies reported.

The incident took place in Sistan-Baluchistan province, one of Iran’s poorest regions, known for frequent clashes involving security forces, Baluch minority rebels, Sunni extremist groups, and drug traffickers.

The Fars news agency, citing police sources, said: “In an exchange of fire… between Iranshahr police and armed men, one officer was wounded and another killed.”

The ISNA news agency also confirmed the deadly gun battle.

Sistan-Baluchistan is home to a large ethnic Baluch population, predominantly Sunni Muslims, in contrast to Iran’s Shiite majority.

Fars reported that the assailants were injured during the firefight, fled the scene, and are currently being pursued by police.

In recent years, the Sunni jihadist group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), based across the border in Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan.

The group has consistently targeted security forces and government institutions, contributing to ongoing instability in the province.