An Iranian police officer was shot and killed after armed assailants opened fire while he was on his way to report for duty in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.

The Information and Public Relations Center of the Sistan and Baluchestan Provincial Police said the attack occurred about an hour before the announcement, when unidentified gunmen targeted the officer with firearms, The Caspian Post reports via vesty.co.il.

The officer died from his injuries at the scene.

Police said a large-scale operation is underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack. More details will be released as the investigation progresses.

Sistan and Baluchestan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has periodically witnessed attacks involving armed groups and security forces, making it one of Iran's most volatile regions.