On the night of April 3rd and 4th, serious attacks targeted the headquarters of Iranian forces in the coastal city of Chabahar in western Balochistan, including Colonel Kochzai Police Station, Colonel Musrat Police Station, and the headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in Rask and Sarbaz. Jaish-ul-Adl claimed responsibility for these attacks. Iran has confirmed thirteen personnel deaths, but local sources suggest higher casualties.
Jaish-ul-Adl has been targeting the Revolutionary Guards in western Balochistan for a decade. However, following the “Bloody Friday” incident in Zahedan, these attacks have intensified, with large-scale and deadly assaults on Iranian forces. The recent attack mirrors the January assault on Mach Town in eastern Balochistan by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Involving over 20 fidayeen in the Chahbahar attack, indicates Jaish-ul-Adl’s significant military escalation and capability for complex operations against Iran.
Iran faces multiple challenges, including severe US economic sanctions, direct targeting of its interests by Israel in Syria, and ISIS attacks within its borders. The rebellion in Sistan and Balochistan further exacerbates Iran’s predicament.
Sistan and Balochistan, one of Iran’s most underdeveloped provinces, hosts a dissatisfied local population due to state policies. The aftermath of Bloody Friday in Zahedan saw ongoing protests in Western Balochistan for two years. The escalation of rebellion in Sistan and Balochistan will compound Iran’s difficulties, exacerbating the situation.