IRGC Statement: Two Pakistani Terrorists Operated with Saudi Financial Support

One day after the news of the arrest of two Pakistani 'terrorists' in Iran, the public relations office of the Quds Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement identifying them as operating under 'financial support from Al Saud.' According to the Mehr News Agency, citing the public relations office of the Quds Ground Force of the IRGC on Wednesday, September 31, details of the arrest of the 'Pakistani terrorists' were announced, stating that they were 'operating with financial support from Al Saud and the intelligence and espionage organizations of hostile countries.' In the report, 'hostile countries' are referred to as 'neighbors.' The IRGC also released a photo of a handgun, several bullets, and an object described as a bomb, claiming to have discovered this equipment from the 'two Pakistani terrorists.' In this context, Abdul Sattar Doshuki, head of the Balochistan Studies Center, told Radio Farda that 'armed groups active in the Sistan and Baluchestan region of Iran are Iranian nationals, and there has never been a record of two Pakistani nationals, whose accent is distinct from that of the Baluchis in Iran, entering Iran for armed actions.' Mr. Doshuki added, 'When armed groups opposed to the Islamic Republic are active with Iranian nationals in Baluchestan, why would they take the risk of two Pakistani nationals entering the highly secure Saravan area with explosives?' According to Abdul Sattar Doshuki, the IRGC's reference to 'neighboring hostile countries' is aimed at Pakistan, which has yet to implement its security agreement with the Islamic Republic. The head of the Balochistan Studies Center explained, 'Pakistan has good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia, and it can be inferred that the IRGC's aim in accusing this country is to increase pressure on Pakistan.'