Zeynabiyoun Militia Establishes Checkpoints in Iranian Balochistan
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SARBAZ, Iran — The Zeynabiyoun militia, a Pakistani Shia group aligned with Iran, has begun patrolling and establishing checkpoints across Iranian Balochistan, securing the primary transit route between the port city of Chabahar and Sarbaz county.
The deployment, confirmed on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in the security landscape of the southeastern province. The group has taken control of key roadways connecting Chabahar, a strategic deep-sea port on the Gulf of Oman, to the interior region of Sarbaz. Local residents reported seeing armed personnel from the militia manning barricades and inspecting vehicles along the highway.
The Zeynabiyoun, originally formed in Pakistan, operates as a proxy force for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Their presence in the region is part of a broader effort to secure supply lines and maintain order in areas historically prone to unrest. The group has been active in the region for years, but the recent expansion of their operational footprint into checkpoint management represents a new level of engagement in local security affairs.
Chabahar serves as a critical logistical hub for Iran, providing access to the Arabian Sea and serving as a counterweight to the strategic port of Gwadar in neighboring Pakistan. The route to Sarbaz is essential for the movement of goods and personnel between the port and the provincial capital, Zahedan. By controlling this artery, the militia effectively regulates traffic flow and monitors movement in the corridor.
Iranian officials have not issued a public statement regarding the deployment. The move comes amid heightened security concerns in Balochistan, where separatist movements and insurgent groups have long challenged state authority. The provincial governorate has historically relied on a combination of regular army units, Basij militia, and IRGC forces to maintain stability.
The involvement of the Zeynabiyoun in direct security operations within Iranian territory raises questions about the extent of their mandate and the coordination with national security forces. While the group has previously operated in support roles, their current position at fixed checkpoints suggests a more autonomous command structure in the area.
Residents in Sarbaz county expressed mixed reactions to the deployment. Some welcomed the increased security presence, citing a need for stability on the roads. Others expressed concern over the presence of a foreign-affiliated militia operating within national borders. The long-term implications of this arrangement remain unclear as the situation continues to develop.
Security analysts note that the deployment could signal a shift in how Iran manages security in its volatile southeastern provinces. The use of proxy forces for internal security operations is a notable development that may influence regional dynamics. As of Tuesday evening, the checkpoints remained active, with no indication of an immediate withdrawal.