Ahvaz National Resistance | |
---|---|
مقاومت ملی اهواز | |
Country | Iran |
Active regions | Khuzestan Province |
Ideology | Arab separatism |
The Ahvaz National Resistance ( Persian: مقاومت ملی اهواز) is an ethnic Arab opposition movement in Iran that seeks an independent state in Khuzestan Province. [1]
Described by Israeli newspaper Haaretz as "an umbrella organization of all armed movements", the Ahvaz National Resistance claimed responsibility for the 2018 Ahvaz military parade attack. [2] [3] The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant later also claimed responsibility. [4] Speaking to Iran International TV in London, Yaqoub al-Tostari, [a] spokesman[ clarification needed] for one of the two groups that identify themselves as the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, [5] said the Ahvaz National Resistance was behind the attack, which killed 25 people excluding the five assailants, but did not specify which group. [2]
On 23 September 2018, Danish broadcaster DR stated that al-Tostari lives in Denmark and had an interview with him, [6] explaining a day later that the name "Yaqoub al-Tostari" is a cover, and that his real name is known to the broadcaster. [7]