Iran Says Wall On Afghan Border Can Thwart Terror Amid Rising Threats

Iran's Deputy Police Chief, Qasem Rezaei, has claimed that the construction of a border wall with Afghanistan will help prevent drug trafficking, the movement of outlaws, and terrorist infiltrations.

The border fortification plan, which was revealed last month, entails building a four-meter concrete wall, along with barbed wire, fencing, and proper roads along the northwestern and eastern borders, all scheduled for completion within the next three years.

Rezaei highlighted, "This initiative specifically targets areas known for frequent illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the movement of outlaws, as well as potential terrorist threats."

Iran's Deputy Interior Minister, Majid Mirahmadi, announced last week an investment of three billion euros to "quickly start sealing the borders," amidst ongoing clashes with Taliban forces.

"This comprehensive effort includes the installation of fences, walls, and intelligent border control systems, ensuring a robust defense of our national borders," Mirahmadi added.

Tensions along Iran's borders have been highlighted by multiple incidents, including the capture and subsequent release of five Iranian border guards by Taliban forces on April 25 as tensions escalated in recent months.

The eastern borders of Iran have also been troubled by the intensified activities of the insurgent Sunni Baluch group, Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), which advocates for enhanced rights and improved living conditions for the Baluch ethnic minority.

The group has been a consistent source of tension with Iran. In response to attacks attributed to Jaish al-Adl, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has conducted cross-border operations into Pakistan, which have led to retaliatory attacks.

Jaish al-Adl was responsible for multiple attacks in the Sistan-Baluchistan province in recent months, which resulted in the deaths of Iranian law enforcement officers.