9 Pakistanis killed, 3 injured by armed individuals in SE Iran

TEHRAN -- Three armed individuals on Saturday morning killed nine Pakistani nationals and injured three others in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

The shooting attack occurred in Saravan County, following which the provincial police forces immediately arrived at the scene, Alireza Marhamati, Sistan and Baluchestan's deputy governor for security and law enforcement, was quoted by Mehr as saying in an address to reporters.

He added according to those injured, who were also Pakistanis, the three armed individuals had gone to the foreign nationals' residence and opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.

Marhamati condemned the "terrorist" move and extended sympathy to the victims' families as well as the people of Pakistan, giving the assurance that the incident was under investigation and all those behind it would be identified.

He stressed that Sistan and Baluchestan's judicial, security and intelligence apparatuses would definitely take decisive action against those causing insecurity in the province.

No group or individual has so far claimed responsibility for the incident, according to Mehr.

Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday night the killing of nine Pakistani nationals in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan.

The ministry said in a statement that "it is a horrifying and despicable incident and we condemn it unequivocally," adding "Pakistan is in touch with Iranian authorities and has underscored the need to immediately investigate the incident and hold to account those involved in the crime."