The clash occurred in Sistan-Balochistan province, one of the country’s poorest regions and the scene of frequent violence between the security forces and Baloch minority rebels, Sunni extremist groups and drug traffickers.

“In an exchange of fire… between Iranshahr police and armed men, one officer was wounded and another killed,” the Fars news agency said, citing the police.

The Isna news agency also reported the deadly gun battle.

Sistan-Balochistan is home to a large ethnic Baloch population, most of whom are Sunni Muslims, in contrast to Iran’s Shi’ite majority.

Fars said the assailants were wounded in the firefight, fled the scene and were being pursued by police.

In recent years the Sunni extremist group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), based across the border in Pakistan, has claimed multiple attacks in the area.

On Sunday, the group carried out an attack in Sistan-Balochistan that killed a police officer, according to local media.

On July 26, at least six people were killed in an attack claimed by Jaish al-Adl on a courthouse in the same province.