Iran fires missiles and drones, reportedly targeting the bases of a militant group in Pakistan, as per reports.
On Wednesday, Pakistan issued a stern warning to Iran about “serious consequences” following Tehran’s unprecedented missile and drone assaults on terrorist bases in the volatile Balochistan province.
The attacks resulted in the tragic death of two children and left three others injured.
Iranian state media reported that missiles targeted two bases of the Balochi militant group Jaish al Adl in Pakistan on Tuesday.
This incident occurred a day after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards launched missile attacks on targets in Iraq and Syria.
Pakistan strongly criticized Iran for violating its airspace, summoning the Iranian charge d’affaires and issuing a robust condemnation, according to the Foreign Office.
The attack, involving missiles and drones, targeted two key strongholds of the Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in Balochistan, as reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency. The area, identified as “Green Mountain,” witnessed successful demolitions.
The Jaish al-Adl militant group, known for previous attacks on Iranian security forces in the Pakistan border region, was highlighted by the Dawn newspaper.
The Foreign Office termed the attack an “unprovoked violation of its airspace,” asserting that it resulted in the tragic death of two children and injuries to three others.
Pakistan vehemently protested the breach of sovereignty, deeming it “completely unacceptable” with potential “serious consequences.”
Expressing concern, the Foreign Office noted the “illegal act” occurred despite established communication channels between Pakistan and Iran.
The situation, compounded by tensions from Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, was viewed as a potential escalator of Middle East tensions.
In response, Pakistan summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires to convey its strongest condemnation, emphasizing the violation’s blatant nature.
The responsibility for consequences was squarely placed on Iran. A strong protest was lodged with the relevant Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official in Tehran.
The Foreign Office underscored its position on the violation of sovereignty and the severity of potential fallout.
This diplomatic development underscores the fragile nature of regional dynamics and the immediate need for dialogue to prevent further escalation between Pakistan and Iran.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan refrained from specifying the location of casualties, but suspicions point to Panjgur in the Balochistan province as the targeted base.
Local authorities in Panjgur remained tight-lipped on the attacks, yet some insiders revealed that missile strikes also damaged a mosque, causing injuries to civilians.
Expressing concern, the Foreign Office emphasized that while Pakistan consistently highlights terrorism as a common regional threat requiring coordinated action, unilateral acts like these disrupt good neighborly relations and erode bilateral trust.
The absence of location details raises uncertainties about the incident’s precise impact.
Jaish al-Adl, known as the “Army of Justice,” a Sunni militant group founded in 2012, predominantly operates in Pakistan.
Iran has previously engaged in border confrontations with militants, but a missile-and-drone assault on Pakistan marks an unprecedented escalation.
In a recent incident, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi reported the killing of at least 11 Iranian police officers in an overnight attack on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan.
Vahidi attributed the incident to Jaish al-Adl, claiming the militants entered Sistan from the Pakistan side near Panjgur.
The troubled Balochistan province has evolved into a hotspot for terror activities over the years.
Various banned religious terror and separatist groups have utilized its soil to launch attacks against Pakistan’s security personnel and installations.
This complex situation underscores the challenges in maintaining stability and security in the region.
As diplomatic tensions rise, the international community faces the task of encouraging dialogue and cooperation to prevent further escalation and promote a secure and stable environment in the region.
The incidents highlight the delicate balance required to address security concerns while fostering positive neighborly relations.
