Armed attack on Iranian army minibus near Nikshahr leaves one soldier dead

An armed group attacked a minibus carrying personnel from Iran’s Army Ground Forces (NEZAJA) near Nikshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan province on Thursday, October 8, 2026, killing one soldier and wounding three others.

The public relations office of the 88th Armored Division stated that the minibus was transporting personnel stationed along the Makran coast who were traveling for a shift change when the assault occurred. The slain soldier was identified as Mohammad Reza Okati. Further details were not immediately released, with officials saying additional information would follow.

Nikshahr lies in the south of Sistan and Baluchestan, a restive southeastern province that has seen repeated attacks on security and military targets in recent years. Iranian media described the incident as an armed or terrorist attack but did not name any group as responsible in initial reports.

The attack was reported by multiple Iranian outlets citing the army division’s statement. Separate incidents involving security forces were also reported in the province around the same period.