Iranian forces kill two armed fighters, arrest another in Zahedan

Iranian security forces killed two armed fighters and arrested another in a shoot-out in Zahedan in the country’s southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iranian authorities said.

Iranian media reported fighting in the provincial capital between security forces and armed men. There were no immediate details about the identities or affiliations of those killed and detained.

The incident took place against the backdrop of increasing security tensions in Sistan and Baluchestan, a province bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan that has been the site of repeated attacks and clashes between Iranian security forces and armed groups.

Iranian authorities have frequently labelled armed groups operating in the province as militants or terrorists. However, rights groups and regional sources have offered varying narratives regarding such clashes.

Earlier this month, two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in an armed attack near Zahedan, Iranian media reported.

Separately, on Friday, reports said heavy gunfire lasted for about two hours in parts of Zahedan, with an armed person, three military personnel and two female pedestrians reportedly wounded. Iranian authorities had not independently verified those casualty figures at the time of reporting.