An armed attack on a courthouse in **Zahedan**, the capital of Iran’s **Sistan-Baluchestan Province**, resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals on **March 12, 2024**. Among the deceased were three assailants, according to state media reports. The incident, attributed to the **Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl**, also left an additional 22 people injured.
Jaish al-Adl confirmed the fatalities of its three members following a confrontation with security forces. The assault occurred in a region known for its ongoing tensions, particularly involving the **Baluch** minority, who have expressed grievances over economic and political marginalization.
The head of the province’s judiciary stated that the casualties included a toddler, a 60-year-old woman, three soldiers, and law enforcement personnel assigned to the courthouse. While the attackers reportedly wore explosive vests and carried grenades, it remains unclear if they detonated these devices during the attack.
In a statement posted on their **Telegram** account, Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for the assault and alleged that they had killed at least 30 members of the judiciary and security forces. The group specifically targeted judges and court personnel, accusing them of issuing harsh sentences against Baluch citizens.
“We warn all judges and employees of the judiciary that Baluchestan will no longer be a safe place for them and death will follow them like terrifying shadows until retribution,” the statement read. The group also accused security forces of indiscriminately firing on civilians during the incident.
Reports from the **Baluch human rights group HAALVSH** indicated that several judiciary personnel and security members were killed or wounded when the attackers stormed the judges’ chambers. The ongoing violence in Sistan-Baluchestan highlights the region’s struggles with armed groups, including Sunni militants and separatists advocating for greater rights and autonomy.
Tehran has accused some of these groups of having foreign ties and involvement in cross-border smuggling and insurgency efforts. The recent courthouse attack underscores the persistent instability in this part of Iran, where tensions between the government and minority groups remain high.
