Tehran [Iran], July 9: At least six people were killed in an attack on a police station in south-eastern Iran, including two policemen and four attackers, the state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.
According to the report, several men attacked a post in the city of Zahedan, capital of Sistan and Balochistan province. A state television reporter spoke of a heavy firefight.
The report quoted the province's deputy governor, Alireza Marhamati, as saying the attackers used grenades, though he did not provide further details. Videos posted on social media purporting to show the incident show several gunshots along a road. The background to the rare attack was initially unclear.
State media described the attack as a terrorist attack.TheTasnim news agency initially reported at least two explosions. The attackers had been equipped with explosive belts, it said.
However a high-ranking provincial officer later stated in an interview with state television that they were firecrackers.
According to the state agency IRNA, the situation was under control after security forces arrived at the location.
For months, residents in the provincial capital Zahedan have been demonstrating against the Islamic State leadership every Friday.
The province also borders Pakistan and is considered a hotspot for clashes between security forces and gangs of smugglers.
However, terrorist attacks in Iran are extremely rare.
Source: Qatar Tribune