At least six people have been killed and 22 others wounded in a terrorist attack in southeastern Iran on Saturday, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Among those killed were a mother and her one-year-old baby, local authorities confirmed.
The attack took place at a courthouse in Sistan and Baluchestan province, where three gunmen opened fire on staff and visitors on Saturday morning.
The assailants, who initially tried to enter the building disguised as clients, engaged in a shootout with security forces after failing to gain entry, local media reported, citing local officials.
Before he was shot dead, one of the attackers threw a grenade inside the courthouse, killing and injuring several civilians, according to the IRGC statement.
The other two gunmen were killed during a gun battle with police on the street outside. The IRGC also said the attackers were found to be wearing suicide vests.
The province, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, is home to Iran’s Baloch Sunni minority and has been a frequent scene of violent clashes between Iranian security forces and armed militant groups.
The Pakistan-based Baloch jihadist group Jaish al-Adl has claimed responsibility for the deadly assault. The group, which also operates inside Iran, urged civilians to flee the area in a statement issued earlier in the day.
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