Escalation of Bloody Repression in Balochistan death Threats Against Detainees, Live Fire, and Military Sieges of Cities

Report by the Balochistan Human Rights Group (BHRG)Date: 20 Dey 1404 / 10 January 2026

According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group (BHRG), the security and military forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have escalated the suppression of popular protests to an unprecedented level. These actions include mass arrests, threats against families with the death of their detained relatives, direct live-fire using firearms and pellet guns, and the complete military siege of cities.

Field Report Details (as of 21:00 local time, 10 January 2026):

• Mass arrests and deadly threats: Numerous reports have been received of citizens being arrested in the cities of Zahedan, Chabahar, and Iranshahr. Due to severe restrictions on information flow, the exact number of detainees is unknown; however, local sources describe it as “very high.” After transferring detainees to security centers, agents have contacted families and, in a threatening tone, stated: “Assume your children are dead.” These threats raise serious concerns about the risk of enforced disappearance, torture, and even extrajudicial killings.
• Military siege and heavy security presence: The atmosphere in the cities of Zahedan, Chabahar, and other parts of the province has become extremely securitized. Military and security forces are deployed on streets at intervals of 10 to 20 meters, with several personnel stationed permanently at some points. This heavy presence has effectively turned cities into military garrisons.
• Internet shutdown and information blackout: Since Thursday night (8 January), internet access has been cut or severely restricted in large parts of the province—especially in Iranshahr, Saravan, and southern regions. This action by the regime has blocked the flow of information and reduced the ability to document abuses.
• Live fire and injuries:
  • In Zahedan, following Friday prayers (19 Dey / 9 January), security forces attacked protesters using live ammunition, pellet guns, and tear gas. At least 8 people have reportedly been injured. Videos released from CCTV cameras show direct shotgun fire at citizens on routes leading to the Makki Mosque.
  • Unconfirmed reports have also been received of a child under the age of 18 being injured last night.
  • In Chabahar, due to the heavy presence of forces, citizens have been forced to protest from rooftops, chanting anti-government slogans. This situation has continued both last night and tonight.
• Armed incident: Yesterday afternoon (9 or 10 January) in Dashtiari County (near Chabahar), armed individuals attacked military forces, resulting in one death and one injury. No group has so far claimed responsibility.

Background:

This crackdown is taking place as nationwide protests across Iran, which began in late Azar 1404 (December 2025) due to a deep economic and livelihood crisis, have rapidly evolved into demands for the overthrow of the government . The people of Balochistan—one of the most marginalized regions of Iran, with a long history of discrimination and repression—have played an active role in this uprising. Baloch women have stood on the front lines, chanting slogans such as “Poverty, corruption, inflation; we will go until overthrow” and “From Zahedan to Tehran, my life for Iran.”

The Balochistan Human Rights Group calls for an immediate halt to violence, the release of all detainees, an end to threats against families, and full access to the internet and communications. We urge the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to seriously investigate and hold the regime accountable for its crimes in Balochistan.

The Balochistan Human Rights Group (BHRG) continues to monitor and document developments. Our local sources are operating at great personal risk. Any new information received will be shared in updates.