A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps escaped unhurt when gunmen attacked his convoy in the country's restive south-east on Saturday, state media said.
A bodyguard of Brig Gen Hossein Almassi was killed in the attack at a checkpoint in Sistan and Baluchestan, the Irna news agency said.
The province bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan is often the scene of attacks or clashes between security forces and armed groups.
The slain bodyguard was identified as Mahmoud Absalan, the son of Gen Parviz Absalan, a commander of the IRGC in the region.
State television said "criminals" had opened fire at the checkpoint, at the entrance to the provincial capital of Zahedan.
Irna said security forces arrested those behind the attack.
The attack came two days after Iran announced the arrest in Sistan and Baluchestan of three people it said were linked to Israel's Mossad spy agency.
Poverty-stricken Sistan and Baluchestan is a flashpoint for clashes with smuggling gangs, as well as separatists from the Baloch minority and extremist militant groups.
In January, state media said three IRGC members were among nine people killed in a clash with "armed criminals" in the province.
And in November, Irna said three members of the security forces were killed in similar circumstances.
At least 20 people were reported killed in the bombing of a bus carrying paramilitary forces in Sistan and Baluchestan in February 2019. State media said the attack was claimed by Jaish Al Adl (Army of Justice) militant group.
With reporting from agencies
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What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
