Iran facing growing insurgency in separatist, largely Sunni, Sistan-Balochistan region - analysis

Reports indicate intensifying clashes between Iran's IRGC and Baloch rebels in the southeastern Sistan and Balochistan province, with videos and human rights groups documenting a growing insurgency. Casualties include a female Basij commander and a police officer. Media access is restricted, making independent verification difficult.

Iran is facing a growing insurgency in its southeastern Sistan and Balochistan province, according to multiple reports. Clashes between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Baloch rebels have intensified over recent weeks, with videos and human rights groups documenting the unrest. Casualties include Afsaneh Aqila, a female commander of the all-women's Basij unit in Mehrestan County, and Mohammad Ali Shahriari, a police officer, both killed in Zabol district. Rudaw reported that Iran deployed around 40 additional military vehicles to Taftan county on Tuesday. Haalvsh, a human rights group, said more than a dozen Iranian military and police personnel were killed or wounded in four attacks over a 24-hour period last week. The IRGC describes the rebels as terrorists and claims to dismantle cells. The Baloch groups, including the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl, have joined forces, with some claiming to fight for control of all Iran. The Arab Weekly noted the region could become Iran's Achilles heel, coming 10 months after a brutal crackdown on protests in January 2026. Media access is restricted, making independent verification difficult.