According to a report by Iranian News Agency IRNA on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has pledged to deliver a “firm and decisive” response to those responsible for the killing of several Sunni tribal and religious leaders in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. The elite military force described the attack as a terrorist act aimed at igniting sectarian division and destabilizing the country’s border regions.
In a statement released on Sunday, Oct. 19, and published by Sepah News, the IRGC’s Quds Headquarters condemned what it called a “cowardly terrorist crime” carried out by militant elements backed by foreign intelligence services. The attack claimed the lives of several prominent Sunni figures, including Mullah Kamal, Reza Azarkish, Parviz Kadkhodaei, and Shams Askani, all respected leaders within their local communities.
“The agents and masterminds of these crimes will soon face retribution for their disgraceful acts,” the IRGC said. “The powerful security and military forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will decisively respond to these brutal actions.”
The statement accused the perpetrators of being “mercenary groups affiliated with the Zionist regime,” alleging that the operation was part of a broader foreign plot to sow discord between Shia and Sunni populations in the ethnically diverse province.
“These terrorist attacks are part of the enemies’ efforts to undermine the security, solidarity, and brotherhood that bind the people of Sistan and Baluchestan,” the IRGC said. “But our vigilant people and loyal tribes will not allow the enemies of Islam and Iran to achieve their malicious goals.”
The IRGC further emphasized that Iran’s armed and intelligence forces are conducting extensive operations to identify and apprehend those behind the attacks. Security sources in Zahedan, the provincial capital, confirmed that an investigation is underway, with several suspects reportedly detained for questioning.
Sistan and Baluchestan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long faced security challenges due to the presence of militant and smuggling networks operating across the porous frontier. In recent years, Iran has blamed foreign-backed terrorist organizations for a series of deadly ambushes and bombings targeting both civilians and security personnel in the region.
Despite these tensions, the IRGC praised the province’s Sunni and Shia residents for maintaining unity in the face of repeated attempts to spark sectarian strife. “The enemies seek to pit Muslims against each other,” the statement concluded, “but the people of Sistan and Baluchestan will remain steadfast in defending national security, religious harmony, and the integrity of the Islamic Republic.” See, More, Here>>>
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