Iran launched airstrikes on bases belonging to the Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in Pakistan, resulting in the tragic death of two children and injuries to three others. The incident has prompted Pakistan to condemn what it termed an “unprovoked violation of its airspace,” sparking concerns over bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.
Iran’s attack on Pakistan occurred on Tuesday, targeting two significant headquarters of Jaish al-Adl in the Balochistan province. The strike comes amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Islamabad, each accusing the other of harboring militants for cross-border attacks. While Pakistan strongly protested the violation of its sovereignty, Iran has not yet responded to the allegations.
The illegal airstrike claimed the lives of two innocent children, aged 8 and 12, while injuring three girls. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern, stating that such actions could have serious consequences. Despite existing communication channels between the two nations, the strike occurred, raising questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts in maintaining regional stability.
Jaish al-Adl, designated as a terrorist organization by Iran, operates in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan. Formed in 2012, the Sunni extremist group has frequently targeted Iranian security forces, with a history of attacks in the border region with Pakistan. In December, Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for an assault on a police station in Sistan-Baluchistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 police personnel.
Pakistan has summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires to express its “strongest condemnation” of the airspace violation, emphasizing that such acts undermine bilateral trust and confidence. The Foreign Ministry stressed the need for coordinated action against terrorism, emphasizing the common threat it poses to regional stability.
Videos circulating on social media purport to show damaged houses, alleging the death of two children in the Iranian attack; however, these claims remain unverified. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has not provided an immediate comment on the incident.
The incident adds complexity to the already strained relations between Iran and Pakistan, with both nations sharing a border of nearly 1,000 kilometers. The attack on Jaish al-Adl bases raises concerns about the potential escalation of tensions and the impact on regional security.