Ansar Al-Furqan | |
---|---|
Leaders | Hesham Azizi
(KIA) (2013–2015)[
citation needed] Jalil Qanbarzehi (KIA) (2015–2017) [1] |
Dates of operation | 2013–Present |
Active regions |
Sistan and Baluchestan Province Khuzestan Province |
Ideology | Salafist jihadism |
Allies | Al-Qaeda [2] |
Opponents | Iran |
Ansar Al-Furqan ( Arabic: انصار الفرقان, lit. 'Partisans of the Criterion' [3]) is a Sunni Baloch militant organization active in Sistan and Baluchestan insurgency and a designated terrorist organization by Iran. The group was established in December 2013 by a merger of Harakat al-Ansar ( Arabic: حرکةالانصار) and Hizbul-Furqan ( Arabic: حزبالفرقان). [4]
According to Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium, they have ties to Katibat al Asad Al ‘Islamia, Jeish Muhammad, Al-Nusra Front and Jaish ul-Adl. [5]
In June 13, 2016, militants attempted to carry out an attack in Khash, Sistan and Baluchestan, left five terrorist and an officer death in the ensuing clash. [6] [7] During the 2017-18 Iranian protests, Ansar Al-Furqan claimed responsibility for bombing an oil pipeline in Ahvaz, a city located in Iran's Khuzestan province. [8] [9]
They also took responsibility for 2018 Chabahar suicide bombing which killed two people and injured around 48 others. Days later, Iranian authorities arrested ten suspects in carrying out the attack. [10]
On January 25, 2024, they claimed that it fired small arms targeting a police station in Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchistan Province. [11]
Ansar al Furqan states that "a major oil pipeline was blown up in Omidiyeh region of occupied Ahvaz, Iran." The group added that it had established a new unit, the Ahwaz Martyrs Brigade. The area of Ahvaz has historically had a large Arab population.