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Iran: Armed Forces Chief of Staff Warns of Threats in Country’s East | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, General Mohammad Bagheri. AFP


London- Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, General Mohammad Bagheri warned on Monday of security threats against Balochistan, eastern Iran, a region of Sunnite’s popularity. He said that the enemies of Iran are seeking damage to it.

Commenting on the security tension in Balochistan during the past two years with ongoing armed conflict between Iranian military forces and Balochistan armed groups, Bagheri said that his forces have accomplished security in south eastern Iran.

As for the security tension on the Iranian-Pakistani border, resulting in the death of 10 from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Bagheri stated that the Pakistani Army will intensify its existence on the Iranian-Pakistani border and that Pakistan is currently considering suggestions presented by Iran to uphold security on the border.

In May, Islamabad summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost after Bagheri threatened to target Balochistan armed groups in the Pakistani territory.

“In the current delicate condition, some are trying to destabilize the country. Due to Balochistan’s location and its tribal and racial diversity, it is vulnerable to the danger and greed of enemies,” said Bagheri.

He added that the Baloch people are aware of the goals and priorities, and supports the regime despite the tough living conditions.

Sunnites residing in Balochistan – around 2.4 million – complain over intentional marginalizing and sectarian discrimination.

They also accuse Iranian security forces of provoking Sunnite tribes against each other for the purpose of laying hand over their region.

While Tehran accuses these groups of extremism, they say that they hold the weapon against the Iranian armed forces to defend national and religious rights of Balochistan residents.