Iranian government closed the Gabd-Rimdan border with Pakistan following deadly clashes between Iran’s security forces and its Baloch people in Zahedan, the capital of Iran’s Sistan and Balochistan Provinces.
The border demarcates Gabd in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Rimdan in Iran’s Sistan province. Iran had closed the crossing point after armed clashes between its security forces and Iranian Baloch people in Zahedan, where “hundreds of people were killed and several others injured.” “The Gabd crossing gate was closed for an indefinite period for pilgrims and trade,” Iranian officials said.
At least 63 people were killed last week when Iranian security forces “bloodily suppressed” a protest in the city of Zahedan, a Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO was quoted as saying.
Iranian forces also suffered casualties, including two senior intelligence commanders.
According to the rights group, the clashes started after reports of a police chief in the port city of Chabahar (in Sistan and Baluchestan province) allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl. Reports added that after the news spread, deadly clashes broke out in Zahedan, the capital of the province, which is home to the Baluch ethnic minority that largely adheres to Sunni Islam in predominantly Shiite Iran, reports added.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini by morality police.
