Chabahar Clashes: Security Forces Strike Against Jaish al-Adl Amid Continued Tensions

Violent clashes erupted in Chabahar on February 25, 2025, when Iranian security forces confronted militants from the Jaish al-Adl group in a forceful operation. According to the acting head of the Chabahar governorate, security forces attacked a residential building after locating a hideout used by Jaish al-Adl members. The operation resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the killing of two militants. Jaish al-Adl later confirmed in a statement that two of its members were killed during the engagement, claiming that only two fighters were present and that both lost their lives while resisting multiple military and intelligence units.

Just last week, on February 21, an attack on the Housing Foundation building in Othman Abad rocked the city. Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for that assault, blaming the Iranian government’s plans—specifically the Makran Coastal Development Plan—for attempting to undermine local culture and religious traditions. In related reports, security sources disclosed that an earlier explosion at the headquarters of a branch of the Housing Foundation was triggered by a “sound bomb” on the same day. Although the blast damaged part of the building, no injuries were reported.

Video footage from the recent clashes shows heavy exchanges of fire along Towhid Boulevard, with security forces deploying both light and heavy weapons to secure the area. A statement from the Quds Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during an operational exercise titled “Martyrs of Security” confirmed that the operation resulted in two Jaish al-Adl militants killed and six detained. IRNA later noted that the two deceased militants were non-Iranian nationals.

The acting head of the Sistan and Baluchestan provincial governorate and the special governorate of Chabahar emphasized that the intensive security operation was carried out in close coordination with the Chabahar Supply Council. “We are committed to ensuring the security of our people,” he declared, urging both the public and religious leaders to condemn these terrorist actions. He warned that the militants aimed to disrupt the city’s stability by driving away investors and tourists, thereby hindering Chabahar’s development.

Jaish al-Adl, designated as a terrorist organization by both Iran and the United States, claims to fight for the rights of the Baluch minority against the Islamic Republic. The group has a long history of clashes with Iranian security forces in the region, with previous incidents leading to hostage-taking and fatalities.