Iran Arrests Suspect After Suicide Blast Kills Officer in Bandar-i-Lengeh
Iran’s security forces have arrested a suspect linked to a deadly suicide blast in Bandar-i-Lengeh, a southern city in Hormozgan province, that claimed the life of a high-ranking police commander. The attack, which took place on Saturday, has drawn attention due to its rare occurrence in this region. According to state media, the incident is being investigated, and one individual has been detained in connection with the bombing.
Ansar al-Furqan Claims Responsibility for Suicide Attack
In the aftermath of the attack, the separatist group Ansar al-Furqan quickly claimed responsibility, citing their involvement through their Telegram channel. This is not the first time the group has carried out such an assault. In 2018, they took credit for a similar attack in Chabahar, located in Sistan-Balochistan province, which also targeted a police station and left two officers dead. The recent suicide blast in Bandar-i-Lengeh has raised concerns about the increasing activity of these groups in Iran’s southeastern regions.
Authorities Investigating the Attack and Suspect
Following the deadly explosion, the official IRNA news agency reported that authorities arrested one person, although further details, including the identity of the suspect, have not been disclosed. Deputy provincial governor Ehsan Kamarani confirmed that the attack also killed the bomber, but their identity has yet to be definitively confirmed. He mentioned that evidence suggests the assailant had ties to “takfiri groups,” a term used by Iran to describe extremist factions.
Terrorist Activity in Sistan-Balochistan and Hormozgan Provinces
This incident adds to a series of violent attacks in Sistan-Balochistan and surrounding areas. Just months ago, in October, a terrorist attack claimed the lives of 10 police officers in Sistan-Balochistan, with the Pakistan-based group Jaish al-Adl assuming responsibility. As unrest continues in the region, security forces are intensifying efforts to tackle these growing threats.
