The flag of Iran is seen over its consulate building, with Pakistan’s flag in the foreground, after the Pakistani foreign ministry said the country conducted strikes inside Iran targeting separatist militants, two days after Tehran said it attacked Israel-linked militant bases inside Pakistani territory, in Karachi, Pakistan January 18, 2024. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
Pakistan announced the use of rockets and drones in a targeted operation against Baloch militants situated in Iran, marking a retaliatory action following Tehran’s reported attack on bases within Pakistani territory. The cross-border strikes, among the most notable in recent years, resulted in casualties, including nine individuals, including four children, in a village in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
In response to the incident, Pakistan’s foreign ministry characterized the operation as intelligence-based, highly coordinated, and precision-focused against terrorist hideouts. Emphasizing national security interests, Pakistan stated that the act was pursued with the utmost priority and could not be compromised.
Iran condemned the strikes, alleging civilian casualties, and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires for an explanation. The Interior Minister of Iran reported fatalities, including foreign nationals, and Islamabad expressed regret over civilian casualties while highlighting the targeting of bases used by the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) and the associated Baloch Liberation Army.
Tensions escalated further as Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation, recalled its ambassador from Iran in protest against what it deemed a blatant breach of sovereignty. The use of various military assets, including killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons, was acknowledged by Pakistan in carrying out precision strikes.
The targeted groups, BLF and Baloch Liberation Army, operate in the restive and mineral-rich Balochistan region spanning Pakistan and Iran. While Iran claimed to have struck bases of Jaish al Adl (JAA) in Pakistani territory earlier, the exact relationship between JAA and the Baloch groups targeted by Pakistan remains unclear.
Amid concerns of escalating tensions, analysts caution about the potential for the situation to spiral out of control. Russia called on Iran and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and resolve differences through diplomacy, while Turkey’s Foreign Minister conveyed a shared intent to prevent further escalation.
The backdrop includes Iran’s recent military actions in the region, including strikes in Syria and Iraq, which preceded the cross-border incident with Pakistan. Despite recent diplomatic engagements, the situation underscores uncertainties in the geopolitical landscape, with international markets responding to the developments.
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