This morning, a heavily armed assault was carried out on the High Court building in Zahedan, the central city of Iranian (Western) Balochistan. The militant group Jaish al-Adl has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that multiple individuals have been killed or injured as a result of the clashes and explosions. The security situation throughout the city remains extremely tense.
According to local sources, at approximately 8:50 am on Saturday, several armed assailants attacked the court premises located on Azadi Street. The attackers reportedly advanced directly towards the judges’ chambers and opened intense fire.
Eyewitnesses stated that several members of the court staff and security personnel were either killed or wounded during the assault.
Shortly after the incident, Jaish al-Adl issued a brief statement claiming responsibility for the operation, which they referred to as “Operation Justice for Bāsk.” The group stated that the attack was carried out in retaliation for what they described as “judicial oppression against Baloch citizens.” The statement added that the assault was carried out by a unit named “Fedayeen of Divine Justice.”
A second attack on the courthouse followed shortly after the initial assault. Mortars and hand grenades were reportedly used in this subsequent strike, which occurred as a large number of security forces had gathered at the site in response to the first incident. Loud explosions and gunfire were heard, and plumes of smoke were seen rising from various parts of the city.
Security in Zahedan has been placed on high alert. Strict measures have been enforced around the court premises, with all movement in the vicinity heavily restricted.
Local residents reported that security forces indiscriminately fired at civilians within the court compound from nearby buildings, raising fears of further casualties.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed that three attackers were killed during the confrontation. The reports also state that five individuals targeted in the attack lost their lives, while at least fifteen others were injured.