Reports: Iranian Petrochemical Plant Hit by at Least One Rocket

Thick smoke billowed over the Iranian port city of Chabahar on January 10, with reports saying that a refinery was mistakenly hit by at least one rocket apparently fired during military exercises.

Sources in Chabahar, in southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, reported hearing explosions and seeing rockets fired from the eastern side of the city.

They said that several rockets hit the Chabahar Petrochemical Refinery or exploded in mid-air.

Videos circulated online showing thick smoke rising above the city’s industrial area.

Chabahar’s Governor Javad Sepahi attributed the smoke to previously unannounced military exercises by the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 

تصویری دیگر از لحظه اولیه اصابت راکت شلیک شده سپاه پاسداران به داخل پتروشیمی چابهار

به گزارش حال وش/ امروز ۲۰ دیماه ۱۴۰۲، لحظه اولیه اصابت یکی از راکت‌ها شلیک شده توسط سپاه پاسداران از سمت شرقی شهر چابهار با نقض فنی به داخل #پتروشیمی شهر چابهار سقوط کرده و دو راکت در هوا منفجر… pic.twitter.com/IpX2DfKCFc

— حال وش (@haalvsh) January 10, 2024

Meanwhile, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported the activation of air defense systems in the area, perhaps as part of the military drills.

Earlier in the day, gunfire and explosions were heard near the village of Bidlad Jangal, near the city of Rask in Sistan and Baluchestan province.

Reports suggested that an armed group attacked a police outpost at dawn. State media said that at least one police officer was killed in the attack.

The Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility through a message on its Telegram channel. 

The province had been the scene of similar attacks in the past.