In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks on two bases belonging to the Balochi militant group Jaish al Adl in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The strikes, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the tragic death of two children and left three others injured, prompting a stern warning from Pakistan of “serious consequences.”
The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the targeted strongholds of Jaish al-Adl, known as “Green Mountain,” were successfully demolished in a coordinated assault involving both missiles and drones. This move by Iran follows closely on the heels of the elite Revolutionary Guards’ attacks on targets in Iraq and Syria with missiles.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan swiftly condemned Iran’s actions, labeling it an “unprovoked violation of its airspace” and emphasizing the potential for “serious consequences.” Islamabad also summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires to express its strongest condemnation, asserting that responsibility for the repercussions would lie squarely with Iran.
The statement from the Foreign Office expressed dismay that such an attack occurred despite established communication channels between Pakistan and Iran. It underscored the importance of coordinated action against terrorism, emphasizing that unilateral acts jeopardize good neighborly relations and erode bilateral trust.
Although the Foreign Office did not disclose the specific location of the casualties, suspicions point to Panjgur in Balochistan province. Local authorities, reluctant to divulge details, acknowledged that the missile attacks hit a mosque, causing partial damage and injuring civilians.
The Balochistan province has long been a hotspot for terrorism, with various banned religious, terror, and separatist outfits utilizing its soil for attacks against Pakistan’s security personnel and installations. The Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group founded in 2012, has targeted Iranian security forces in the border region with Pakistan, leading to heightened tensions in recent times.
This latest development raises concerns about the already volatile Middle East, with ongoing conflicts such as Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip further contributing to the regional instability. As both nations grapple with the aftermath of this unprecedented event, the international community watches closely, wary of the potential repercussions on the fragile balance in the region.
