Pakistan has accused Iran of conducting airstrikes that resulted in the tragic deaths of two children and injuries to three others on Tuesday. The strikes allegedly targeted bases associated with the militant group Jaish al-Adl, as reported by a news agency linked to Iran's military. However, Pakistan vehemently rejected these claims, denouncing the incident as an "illegal act" that could lead to "serious consequences."
This marks an unusual event as Iran's missile attack on Pakistan is almost unprecedented. The targeted village is situated in the vast southwestern province of Balochistan, sharing borders with both countries. Pakistan's foreign ministry issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the "unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran," deeming the act "completely unacceptable."
Despite existing communication channels between the two nations, Pakistan expressed dismay at the breach of sovereignty and lodged a protest with a senior official in Iran's foreign ministry in Tehran. The responsibility for the consequences was squarely placed on Iran.
Iran's actions follow ballistic missile strikes on Iraq's northern city of Irbil, drawing condemnation from the United States. Tensions have escalated across the Middle East since the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began on October 7.
While Iran has asserted its reluctance to engage in a broader conflict, various groups within its "Axis of Resistance" have carried out attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians. Lebanon's Hezbollah, Shia militias in Iraq and Syria, and Yemen's Houthi rebels have all been involved in hostilities.
The Pakistan-Iran border region has been a focal point for both nations in their efforts against armed separatist groups like Jaish al-Adl. Tehran has linked this group to attacks near the border, attributing them to militants who entered from Pakistan. Jaish al-Adl is recognized as the "most active and influential" Sunni militant group in Sistan-Baluchestan, according to the US Director of National Intelligence.