Iran losing ‘control' in Sistan-Balochistan province
[Iran losing ‘control' in Sistan-Balochistan province]
TEHRAN: Iran faces increased unrest in one of its southeastern provinces, U.S. diplomats in Azerbaijan reported in a cable disclosed by the website WikiLeaks.
A rail line connecting Iran and Pakistan "has recently been repeatedly subject to rocket attacks and other disruption" by tribes in Sistan-Balochistan province, according to a June 2009 cable from the U.S. Embassy in Baku.
In addition, one source told U.S. diplomats, Tehran was "rife with rumors" that police were leaving their posts empty at night "due to the increased danger of attack."
It added, "According to one source, the Iranian security forces may be losing effective control over growing areas in the countryside."
The document is among the vast cache of U.S. State Department papers that WikiLeaks, a website known for leaking official secrets, began releasing Sunday to widespread condemnation from the United States and its allies.
The cable cited another source who said the government of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad aggravated the situation by harassing Sunnis and appointing a "stupid, brutal" ally as governor until 2008.
"He claimed that these practices, combined with high unemployment, perceived discrimination and few government services, has increased anger among Balochis, and identification of the central government as an 'enemy,'" the cable states.
Iran losing