Balochistan: Iran’s Foreign Proxies Harassing Baloch Families
DOZZAAP (ZAHEDAN): Reports have emerged of harassment and pursuit of a Baloch woman and her husband by armed personnel affiliated with the Fatemiyoun in Samsur, in the Kourin area of Zahedan, in Iranian-occupied Balochistan.
Local sources told HalVash that Fatemiyoun personnel allegedly followed the couple as they travelled through the area on a motorcycle. The man reportedly managed to escape the pursuit and reach safety.
Sources also alleged that Fatemiyoun personnel questioned local Baloch and Sunni residents about temporary marriage, known as “sigheh,” including inquiries about entering into such marriages with local women. Temporary marriage is generally rejected in Baloch society and is considered impermissible under Sunni Islamic jurisprudence.
Local sources further alleged that individuals affiliated with the Fatemiyoun made sexually explicit requests to children in the area. HalVash said it has been receiving regular reports from local sources concerning the alleged incidents and is documenting them.
Other allegations include the forced seizure of sheep belonging to residents, followed by their slaughter and consumption. Some reports also claim that shots were fired at the legs of sheep belonging to local shepherds.
The reports have reportedly caused concern and anger among residents in areas where the presence of the armed groups has been reported.
The allegations come amid a series of recent reports concerning the deployment and activities of Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun personnel across Iranian-occupied Balochistan.
Reports have described their presence in Zahedan, Mirjaveh, Rask, Gosht, Saravan, Zabol, Sib and Suran, Chabahar, Konarak, Zarabad, Mehrestan (Mahgous), and Iranshahr, including allegations of patrols, checkpoints, the stopping and questioning of civilians, and harassment.
In northern Balochistan, the reported locations include Ladiz and areas around the Gazou Dam in Mirjaveh, as well as the villages of Joonabad. In Zahedan, reported locations include Padag, the Lar sector, parts of Kourin, and the Rudmahi area of Hisaruiyah.
Reports from central and southern areas have also indicated a Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun presence in parts of Iranshahr, Chabahar, Konarak, Rask, Dashtyari, and Zarabad.
Earlier reports had largely described the groups as being stationed at military bases. More recent reports, however, indicate that Fatemiyoun personnel may also be operating in rural Baloch-populated areas and civilian settlements, where they are allegedly conducting patrols and interacting directly with residents.
Local sources have also maintained previous claims that Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun personnel were transferred to some Basij bases. According to those reports, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) handed over certain facilities previously used by local forces to personnel affiliated with the groups.
Several days ago, the IRGC reportedly held a meeting with tribal elders from Zahedan and Kourin at the Bam-e Zahedan recreational site. According to HalVash, the presence of non-Iranian armed personnel was discussed in the context of providing “security for the Baloch people.”
HalVash said it continues to receive daily reports from residents concerning checkpoints, patrols, civilian questioning, pursuits, and alleged harassment involving Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun personnel.
The Zainabiyoun Brigade has primarily recruited Shiite fighters from Pakistan, while the Fatemiyoun has primarily recruited Shiite fighters from Afghanistan. Both groups have been supported by Iran and participated in military operations in Syria.
The reported expansion of their presence from military bases into Baloch-populated rural areas, together with allegations of harassment, interference in civilian life, and seizure of property and livestock, has raised concern among residents.
