Deadly Terrorist Attack on Police Checkpoint in Kerman Leaves Four Dead

At least three Iranian police officers and one civilian were killed in terrorist attacks carried out by armed assailants late on Monday night, December 15, at a police checkpoint.

At least three Iranian police officers and one civilian were killed in terrorist attacks carried out by armed assailants late on Monday night, December 15, at a police checkpoint in Fahraj County, Kerman Province, near the border with Sistan-Baluchestan. According to a statement issued by the Quds Base of the IRGC Ground Forces, which operates in southeastern Iran, police personnel stationed at the checkpoint were carrying out routine duties to ensure security along a major transportation route when they were attacked by armed assailants.

In a separate statement, Kerman provincial police described the incident as a “terrorist act,” stating that one police officer and two other members of the security forces were killed, along with one civilian. Authorities did not identify the attackers or provide further details about their affiliation.

Police officials emphasized that “intelligence and operational measures” are underway to identify and confront those responsible. The police added that the checkpoint had been established to enhance public security and protect public order in southern and eastern areas of Kerman Province. Fahraj County is located in eastern Kerman Province, close to the border with Sistan-Baluchestan, a region that has experienced repeated security incidents in recent years.

In a separate incident, police in Sistan-Baluchestan Province reported an attack by armed individuals on law enforcement officers in the city of Iranshahr. In their statement, police referred to the attackers as “ashrar,” a term commonly used by Iranian authorities to describe organized criminal networks, particularly those involved in drug trafficking.

According to the police, the assailants arrived in two passenger vehicles and engaged with law enforcement officers with the intent to attack. Authorities said no police officers were injured in this incident. As of the time of reporting, no group has claimed responsibility for either of these recent attacks.

Sistan-Baluchestan Province, which has a significant population of Sunni Baluch residents, has long been one of Iran’s most economically marginalized regions and has frequently witnessed armed confrontations between security forces and militant or criminal groups.