Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed nine foreigners in southeastern Iran near the border with Pakistan, amidst ongoing efforts by both countries to mend relations following mutual attacks.
The incident occurred in the troubled Sistan and Baluchestan province.
The semi-official Iranian news agency, “Mehr,” reported that no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the shooting. According to the Baloch rights group “Halo Sur,” the victims were Pakistani laborers working at an auto repair workshop, with three others injured in the attack.
This shooting incident comes as the official Iranian media reported the return of the Pakistani and Iranian ambassadors to their respective posts.
Both countries had recalled their ambassadors when they exchanged missile strikes earlier in the month, each claiming to target militants.
The Sistan and Baluchestan province has long been the scene of sporadic clashes between security forces and separatist militants, as well as smugglers trafficking opium from Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mohammad Madihir, expressed his “deep shock” at the killing of nine Pakistani nationals in Sistan and Baluchestan province.
In a tweet on the “Twitter” platform, he wrote, “I am deeply shocked by the horrific killing of nine Pakistanis in Saravan. The embassy will provide full support to the bereaved families.”
He stated that a lawyer is already en route to the site of the incident and to the hospital where the injured are receiving treatment.
