West AsiaIran

Iranian Border Security and Counternarcotics battle

Clashes between security forces and drug traffickers along Iran’s Eastern border with Afghanistan and Pakistan have become daily occurrences. Iran is now demanding international cooperation in fighting what is actually a global problem.

Iran has paid a heavy toll; financially as well as in terms of human resources and youth lost in tackling the problem. And its resources are running thin.

Iran’s neighbors are many and its borders varied. So handling incoming smuggled drugs and people single-handedly isn’t easy.

 Border security, the drug and smuggling problem

The economically-challenged Sistan and Baluchistan province in Iran’s south-east, is perhaps the greatest go-to zone for smugglers and no-go zone for everybody else.

It has been the scene of occasional clashes between government forces and drug-traffickers, as well as various militant groups. It is where Jaish al-Adl, a separatist group affiliated with al-Qaida, operates.

Gunmen wanted by Iranian law enforcement have frequently used Pakistan as a safe-haven to organize and train, easily slipping across the border with practiced ease.

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