Pakistan Hits Militant Targets In Iran Day After Strikes In Balochistan: Report

Pakistan has reportedly launched air raids on militant targets in Iranian territory, a day after Tehran launched deadly missile and drone attacks in Balochistan, reported AFP quoting Pakistan intelligence official as saying. According to media reports, the airstrikes were launched by the Pakistan Air Force on alleged Baloch separatist camps located inside Iranian territory. The camps reportedly housed hideouts of Baloch militants wanted by Pakistan, the reports added. 

On Wednesday, Iran admitted that it carried out strikes in western Pakistan a day earlier that killed two children and left three injured, reported BBC.

On Tuesday, Iran claimed to have targeted two bases belonging to the Jaish al-Adl militant group in Pakistan potentially raising tensions in a Middle East already roiled by Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. 

Iran launched the attack a day after it carried out similar strikes in Iraq and Syria. 

Following the attack, Pakistan issued a strongly worded condemnation of “violation of its airspace”. It also warned the neighbouring country that such actions can have “serious consequences”.

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Islamabad also summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey its “strongest condemnation of this blatant violation” of its sovereignty, according to a PTI report. 

Spokesperson for Foreign Office in Pakistan, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan reserved the right to retaliate against the attack, which she described as an “illegal act” and without any justification, as per a Dawn report. 

“Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being,” she said.

Jaish al-Adl is a Sunni militant group founded in 2012 which largely operates in Pakistan. Iran has fought against the militant group in border areas but a missile-and-drone attack on Pakistan would be unprecedented for Iran.