TEHRAN – Armed assailants attacked a police vehicle in Sistan and Balchestan province in southeastern Iran, killing two police officers and wounding another officer.
The incident occurred on a highway connecting Kash city with the state’s capital, Zahedan, on Tuesday, according to the state’s police intelligence center. Authorities accused the assault of “bloody and heinous conduct” and said security forces had launched an immediate operation to identify and pursue the person responsible. He added that additional details will be made public once they become available.
The martyr officer was from SIB and Suran counties, located about 400 kilometres (248 miles) southeast of Zahedan.
Sistan and Balchestan, who share a long border with Pakistan, have been repeatedly terrorist attacks targeting both civilians and security personnel in recent years. Iranian authorities frequently link such violent acts to terrorist groups supported by foreign intelligence agencies, highlighting the need for the existence of strong, vigilant security within the state.
Last month, local troops killed at least eight militants involved in previous attacks on police. In the attack, terrorists ambushed two patrol units in Daman district of Iranshaal district, killing five law enforcement officers while on duty.
Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish Al-Adl later claimed responsibility for the attack on Iranshaal.
Terrorist groups carrying out attacks on Iran’s interests in the southeastern and southwest parts of the country are believed to be linked to foreign spy agencies.