Media in Iran reports that unknown assailants attacked an Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) base in Nikshahr, southeastern Iran, killing one person. The base is shared with the paramilitary Baseej forces who operate under the command of IRGC.
Nikshahr is located in Sistan-Baluchestan province, with a substantial Sunni population who have a lower standard of living compared with the rest of the country and complain of religious and political discrimination by the ruling Shiite establishment.
An hour after the attack a Twitter account said to be linked with Jaysh-ol-Adl, a Sunni militant group took responsibility for the attack.
Iran’s Mehr news agency reports that according to the local prosecutor, two armed individuals breached the wall of the military compound and opened fire during morning ceremonies killing one and injuring five others, all IRGC personnel.
Iranian authorities and media call the attack a “terrorist” act. It took place as the Islamic Republic celebrates the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution for ten days.
