Jaish al-Adl claims deadly attack on courthouse in Iran

On July 26, 2025, a violent attack unfolded at a courthouse in Zahedan, Iran, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuring 22 others. The incident was carried out by armed terrorists identified as members of the jihadist separatist group Jaish al-Adl, which operates primarily in southeastern Iran. The attack occurred during the busy early morning rush hour when militants breached courthouse security. During the chaotic assault, the attackers, armed with small arms and explosive devices, engaged with courthouse security forces for an extended period, leading to a three-hour standoff. According to reports, three members of the security team and three civilians, including a woman and a child, were among those killed in this tragic incident. Notably, three attackers were also killed in the confrontation. Initial actions targeted the courthouse, but the violence soon escalated to include random shootings of nearby civilians. Reports indicated that the attackers were in their 20s and had initially disguised themselves as civilians to infiltrate the courthouse. This approach allowed them to launch a surprise attack on judicial staff and security personnel inside. The Jaish al-Adl is a known Sunni Muslim extremist group that has been active in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, an area notorious for violent confrontations involving various armed factions from neighboring countries. Following the attack, the group issued a warning to Iranian civilians through Telegram, advising them to evacuate the area to ensure their safety. This indicates a deliberate strategy to instill fear and signal their operational capabilities to both local and broader audiences. This recent incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Iran, particularly in regions plagued by terrorist activities from groups like Jaish al-Adl. Just months prior, the same group was involved in a deadly attack on police officers in Taftan County that resulted in the deaths of 10 officers, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence in this region. The Iranian government has continually faced the dilemma of dealing with such violent factions while managing public safety and security.