TEHRAN – In a tragic incident, a terrorist assault on a police outpost in southeast Iran has resulted in the brutal murder of 11 police forces, with at least six others wounded.

The attack unfolded at around 2 AM local time on Friday in Rask County, located in the southern part of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, as reported by Iranian media.

The Jaish-ul-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Authorities have sealed off the region and are actively searching for the assailants. Iranian police forces have deployed helicopters to aid in the swift apprehension of the terrorists.

This terrorist group has consistently sought refuge in the border regions of Sistan and Baluchestan province following their operations, establishing operational bases within the territory of Pakistan.

The Jaish-ul-Adl anti-Iran terrorist group has a concerning history of perpetrating bomb attacks and kidnappings in southeastern Iran, targeting both civilians and security forces in recent years.

Police addresses "cowardly" attack

General Saeed Montazer-al-Mahdi, the spokesperson for Iran police, denounced the "cowardly" and "blind" nature of the terror attack in a statement on Friday morning.

He revealed that law enforcement forces successfully repelled multiple terrorists during the engagement, assuring the public that the situation was fully under control.

Following the orders of Police Commander General Ahmadreza Radan, a specialized police team has been deployed to the region, according to the police spokesperson.

Deputy Interior Minister urges “strong response”

In an interview with Iranian media, Majid Mirahmadi, the Deputy Interior Minister for Security and Police Affairs, provided details of the terrorist attack on the Rask police post. He explained, "Around 2 AM, terrorists launched an assault on the Rask police station from various directions, setting up an ambush to block the entry of reinforcements."

Mirahmadi outlined that during the extended clashes, two terrorists were killed, one was injured and captured, while the rest managed to escape.

Mirahmadi added, "Reinforcement forces, upon arrival, took positions against the terrorist forces. With resilience and bravery, and the sacrifice of two now-martyred police forces displaying heroic resistance, they successfully reached the police station. Collaborating with the police force, these units compelled the terrorists to retreat, inflicted casualties, and arrested one individual.”

He reiterated, "Some of the slain terrorists are now in the custody of police. The region is currently calm, with security and police forces actively implementing a plan to control and besiege the area, aiming to apprehend the remaining hidden terrorists."

Mirahmadi highlighted that the exact number of terrorists is yet to be determined, stating, "Security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations to provide accurate details to the public."

Regarding the terrorist group claiming responsibility, he emphasized, "Jaish-ul-Adl terrorist group has claimed responsibility for this terrorist incident and will undoubtedly face a strong and painful response."

Addressing the impact of networks that aim to create chaos in the country, he expressed, "When security of the region is disrupted by divisive words and actions, terrorist movements naturally take advantage of the situation. Therefore, the conditions of the region and the province are very important, and individuals who are responsible and influential in the province should prioritize security. Their words and actions should align with strengthening security of the region."

 “Terrorists cannot sow discord among Iranians”: MP

Abdolnaser Derakhshan, who represents the people of Rask in Iran’s Parliament, condemned the terrorist attack on the police headquarters in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, emphasizing that such barbaric actions cannot sow discord among the people of Iran.

He further asserted that this terrorist attack on the police headquarters has brought sorrow and distress to the people and officials of the region.

The lawmaker added that such actions can never create divisions among people of different ethnicities and religions. “The enemy cannot achieve its goal of sowing discord among the people through such inhumane behavior,” he added.

He emphasized that law enforcement officers in Rask, as security guardians of the people, have consistently stood alongside the people, refraining from violent behavior and maintaining a compassionate approach.

Judiciary Chief vows swift investigation of terrorist incident

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of the judiciary, conveyed condolences over the martyrdom of a group of dedicated police forces in Rask and underscored the need to punish the perpetrators of this terrorist crime.

"Enemies of Islamic Iran, who are shocked and enraged by the authority of our establishment, have once again used their mercenaries in terrorist groups to spill the blood of a number of border police soldiers who were engaged in providing security and peace to the people," he said.

He additionally implored the judiciary authorities of the province to implement every essential measure to apprehend and prosecute these "terrorists associated with global imperialism."

Meanwhile, 2nd Brigadier General Dustali Jalilian, the Head of Sistan and Baluchestan Police, emphasized that security forces are committed to delivering a robust response to the "cowardly" terrorist assault. He affirmed that the security forces will resolutely counter the attack, ensuring that the terrorists will deeply regret their heinous actions.

Culled from Tehran Times