Nine-hour battle in southeastern Iran: Reports of many casualties among security forces

Heavy clashes erupted in Saravan, Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran, between Iranian security forces and Baluchi militants. Iranian authorities reported a raid on a hideout of a 'terrorist group', while Baluchi sources and human rights organizations report a battle that lasted nine hours and many casualties among the security forces.

Heavy clashes erupted today (Saturday) in Saravan, Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran, between Iranian security forces and Baluchi militants who had barricaded themselves in the area. Iranian authorities announced that the forces raided a hideout of a 'terrorist group' based on intelligence information. In contrast, Baluchi sources and human rights organizations reported that the operation began around 4:00 AM and turned into a battle lasting about nine hours, during which heavy exchanges of fire and explosions were heard. According to reports, security forces used armored vehicles in an attempt to lay siege to the militants. The Baluchi sources claim that several security force members were killed or wounded, but have not published independently verifiable data. It was also claimed that the militants managed to break the encirclement and withdraw. No armed organization has claimed responsibility for the incident. Sistan and Baluchestan province is a security-sensitive area, where the majority of its residents are Sunni Muslim Baluchis, while the regime in Tehran is Shia, and for years there have been claims of discrimination and neglect by the central government. Saravan, near the border with Pakistan, is considered a sensitive area; at the end of August, the Revolutionary Guards exposed a cell they claimed was linked to the US and Israel.