By Emran | 2024-08-27

The assassination of a deputy chief of the Public Security Police Department of Khash district, Sistan and Baluchestan province, once again highlights the shortcomings of the Iranian regime's security agencies, local residents say.

Hossein Ali Piri was killed by unidentified gunmen near his home August 23.

Jaish al-Adl, a US-designated terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack through an affiliated Telegram channel.

"In many cities in Iran, not only are the people unsafe, but even the police personnel lack security," said Elyas, 34, a resident of Zahedan city who asked to withhold his last name.

"Hossein Ali Piri was killed in a crowded area of the district, which shows that armed groups are active in many cities and towns," he told Pishtaz.

In addition to terrorist attacks, criminal activities in Zabol and Zahedan have peaked, Elyas said.

"The government is not only failing to ensure the security of the people, but it is also incapable of protecting its military and police."

Revenge for oppression

Piri was assassinated less than four months after 11 Iranian soldiers were killed in a Jaish al-Adl attack on a military base in Rask, Sistan and Baluchestan province.

"In recent years, it is evident that the Islamic Republic has spared no effort in oppressing and mistreating the people of Sistan and Baluchestan," said Kian Azadmehr, an Iranian political analyst based in Turkey.

"This behavior by the regime is provoking some groups," he said. "The targeted attacks on military and other security personnel in various parts of the province are acts of revenge for the regime's oppression."

Due to widespread public discontent with the regime and the strengthening of armed opposition groups, the Islamic Republic has lost the ability to ensure security in Sistan and Baluchestan, Azadmehr said.

Focused on proxy groups

While insecurity increases in parts of the country, the Iranian regime is diverting vast sums of money to its proxy groups in the Middle East, citizens say.

"The regime spends billions of dollars every year, taken from the Iranian people's wealth, to support its proxy groups like the Houthis in Yemen, Hizbullah in Lebanon and other groups, to achieve its regional and global goals," said Sayeed, 42, a resident of Zahedan city.

"If this money were spent in Iran, both the security situation would improve and the empty tables of the people would be filled," he said.

"The proxy groups of the Islamic Republic are more of an enemy to the Iranian people than anyone else," said Jamshid, 34, another resident of Zahedan.

"Instead of sending large sums to the Houthis and other armed groups in the region, the Islamic Republic should focus on securing Sistan and Baluchestan," he said.