Bahrām Qāsemi, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced on Wednesday, March 20, the release of four border guards who were 'kidnapped' on October 15, 2018, at the zero border point in Mirjaveh, Sistan and Baluchestan province. According to IRNA, Qāsemi expressed gratitude to the government and army of Pakistan for the 'successful operation' to free these border guards and hoped that the remaining guards would also be released soon. A military commander reported that the 'Pakistani army' had initiated an operation to free the Iranian border guards. IRNA states that five of these guards were freed on November 15 through the efforts of the Pakistani government and handed over to Iran, but according to Mohammad Marani, commander of the Quds Headquarters of the Ground Forces of the IRGC in southeastern Iran, six others are still held by the 'Jaish al-Adl' group. In this context, Iranian military officials announced on Sunday that the Pakistani army had informed them that it had 'launched an operation' to free the kidnapped border guards. Qasem Rezaei stated on Sunday, March 17, that 'based on the latest follow-ups, the border guards are alive and in Pakistani territory.' He added that 'according to the latest discussions and negotiations, the Pakistani army has announced that it has begun an operation regarding the release of the kidnapped border guards.' The 'Jaish al-Adl' group announced in late October that it had attacked a security post in Mirjaveh and taken 12 Iranian border guards 'hostage.' Meanwhile, the group claimed that after the release of five individuals in November, the IRGC was 'not willing to negotiate' regarding these individuals. In response to this report, Hossein Zolfaqari, the Deputy Security Minister, stated on Sunday that this group 'is seeking more concessions and wants the release of its members in Iran, which is not feasible.' Previously, Mohammad Ali Jafari, the commander of the IRGC, had stated that 'Jaish al-Adl' is seeking the release of some of its imprisoned members in exchange for the release of the border guards, but the Islamic Republic 'has not agreed' and 'it is not appropriate to yield to this demand.' This comes after a suicide attack on a bus carrying IRGC members on February 12, which resulted in the deaths of 27 IRGC members and left 12 injured. Iranian officials label the 'Jaish al-Adl' group, which claimed responsibility for this attack, as a 'terrorist' group. However, the group claims that its actions are aimed at defending the rights of Sunni people in Sistan and Baluchestan.
Iran's Foreign Ministry Reports the Release of Four 'Kidnapped' Border Guards
Iran's Foreign Ministry announced the release of four border guards kidnapped in 2018, thanking Pakistan for its role in the operation. Six other guards remain in captivity, held by the militant group Jaish al-Adl, which has been labeled a terrorist organization by Iranian officials. The situation highlights ongoing security challenges along Iran's border with Pakistan.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Four Iranian border guards kidnapped in 2018 have been released, with gratitude expressed towards Pakistan for their role in the operation. However, six other guards remain in captivity, held by the militant group Jaish al-Adl.
- The border guards were kidnapped at the zero border point in Mirjaveh, Sistan and Baluchestan province.
- Jaish al-Adl has been involved in previous attacks against Iranian security forces and demands the release of its members in exchange for the remaining guards.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province has a history of unrest and militant activity, particularly from Sunni groups like Jaish al-Adl, which claim to fight for the rights of the local Sunni population.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%