Three Iranian Security Force Members Killed in Pre-Dawn Clash With Gunmen in Saravan, Sistan-Baluchestan

Iranian security forces launched an operation beginning around 4:00am local time against an armed group in Saravan, Sistan-Baluchestan province -- more than 1,300km from Tehran -- that state media said was planning a 'terrorist operation.' Three members of Iran's security forces were killed in the ensuing clashes; Iran's Revolutionary Guards said 4-5 of the gunmen were also killed, with weapons, ammunition and explosives seized. The gunmen's specific affiliation was not confirmed by state television. Security forces regularly clash with armed groups in Iran's restive southeastern border region.