Iran: Attack on military parade in Ahvaz Sep. 22 kills at least 25 people /update 2

Event

According to state media, at least 25 people have been killed and another 53 others wounded after four gunmen disguised in military uniforms fired onto crowds surrounding a military parade in Ahvaz (Khuzestan province) on Saturday, September 22. The gunfire reportedly lasted for about ten minutes before security forces gained control of the situation; all four attackers were killed in the exchange. An anti-government Arab group, the Ahvaz National Resistance, and the Islamic State group (IS) have both claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack; however, Iranian officials claim that the Saudi Arabia-affiliated Al-Ahvaziya separatist group is behind the attack. Further details are still emerging.

Context

Military parades were held throughout the country to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the beginning of the Iran-Iraq War. The threat posed by militancy remains high in all of Iran's border areas, especially in the west and the east, partly due to weak border monitoring by neighboring countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Advice

Individuals in Ahvaz are advised to avoid the area of the incident, remain vigilant, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.