2024 Chabahar and Rask clashes

In the southeastern border province of Sistan-Baluchestan, a recent attack on an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters happened on the night of April 4. At least 11 Iranian security force members were killed in this attack. The clashes occurred in the towns of Chabahar and Rask. The Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni armed group, was involved in the attack and lost 16 members during the clashes. This incident is one of the deadliest attacks carried out by Jaish al-Adl. The region has a predominantly Sunni Muslim population and has witnessed frequent clashes between Iranian security forces and militants. The attack took place at a critical time for Iran, following an Israeli missile strike on its consulate in Damascus, Syria. Brigadier-General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, both senior commanders in the IRGC’s Quds Force, were killed in the attack.

Background

The attack comes after Islamic Republic’s airstrike targeting Jaish al-Adl operatives, including senior commander Ismail Shahbakhsh, within Pakistani territory. Jaish al-Adl has a history of launching attacks on Iranian security forces, with a notable incident in December that claimed the lives of 11 police personnel. The group operates from occupied Balochistan areas under the patronage of the Pakistan Army.

Conflict

On night time of April 4, 2024, the Jaish al-Adl militant group carried out an unprecedentedly complex and sophisticated attack targeting Iranian security forces in southeastern Iran. Coordinated and simultaneous assaults struck at least two Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) headquarters, a police station, and a naval facility in Chabahar and Rask within Iran’s Sistan and Balochistan Province. The attacks, which began around midnight and lasted over 13 hours, resulted in the deaths of 11 Iranian security personnel and 18 Jaish al-Adl militants. The gunmen stormed various security and military compounds, wearing suicide vests, but failed to seize the Guards headquarters. This attack occurred amidst heightened tensions, following Iran’s consulate in Damascus being hit by a suspected Israeli missile strike, for which Iran pledged revenge.

Casualties

11 Iranian security force members and 16 militants died.

Aftermath

Iran has mobilized its forces to deal with Jaish al-Adl’s attacks at multiple locations. The United Nations Security Council issued a press statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms. The Council expressed sympathy and condolences to the victims’ families and the Government of Iran. It reaffirmed that terrorism poses a serious threat to international peace and security, emphasizing the need to hold perpetrators accountable and bring them to justice.