Sistan and Baluchestan intelligence: two killed in clashes and 10 arrested

The intelligence department of Sistan and Baluchestan province announced on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, that it had broken up three cells of what it calls a "terrorist-takfiri grouplet" in southeastern Iran. According to Mizan news agency, which is affiliated with the judiciary, two people were killed in armed clashes and 10 were arrested in the operation.

According to the security body, the operation was carried out in the cities of Iranshahr, Sarbaz, Saravan and Zahedan, as well as on Qeshm Island in Hormozgan province. The intelligence department also said it had dismantled two armed gangs, arrested five other people and seized significant quantities of weapons and ammunition.

The security body's claims about the detainees

The Sistan and Baluchestan intelligence department claimed that members of these cells had undergone military, bomb-making and assassination training abroad, had been based in safe houses and were arrested before taking any action. The body did not disclose the name of the group, the identities of those killed or arrested, or details of the clashes. As of publication, no independent source had confirmed these claims.

Background of clashes in Sistan and Baluchestan

The announcement comes as Sistan and Baluchestan has seen violent incidents in recent days. On the morning of Monday, 5 October, two police officers were killed in an armed attack on a police patrol on the Bampur–Iranshahr road, and a group called the "Jebhe-ye Mobarezin-e Mardomi" (Popular Fighters Front) claimed responsibility. Before that, according to HRANA, security forces opened fire on the occupants of a car at Kuzeh roundabout in Zahedan, and two citizens were killed.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly reported that Baluch citizens face mass arrests, forced confessions and heavy sentences, including execution, after such operations.

The Islamic Republic's intelligence body reported two people killed and 10 arrested in five cities, but did not disclose their identities or details of the clashes.

Sources

• Mizan news agency