Pakistan retaliated for Iran’s recent attack on its territory with precision strikes on Thursday, claiming to have eliminated “terrorist hideouts” across the border. While Pakistan reported neutralizing “a number of terrorists,” Iranian media painted a grimmer picture, alleging the death of seven civilians, including four children. This tit-for-tat violence raises fears of further escalation between the two nations, already grappling with regional instability and historical tensions.
According to local media reports, Pakistani airstrikes hit near the city of Saravan in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, targeting the Balochistan Liberation Front and the Balochistan Liberation Army. This action came a day after Iran attacked the Jaish al-Adl group’s headquarters in Pakistan’s Balochistan province using missiles and drones.
Officials in Islamabad said two children were killed and three others injured in the Iranian attack in Balochistan, according to BBC.
Both sides have condemned the other’s actions. Iran called its attack “another decisive step” in response to “aggression against the security of our country,” while Pakistan denounced Iran’s strike as a “blatant breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty” and a “violation of international law.”
Responding to the Iranian attack, Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran and asked the Iranian ambassador to delay his return. Islamabad also suspended all high-level visits between the two countries.
This recent exchange of airstrikes raises concerns about further escalation in regional tensions, particularly considering the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel and the rising number of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
Adding a twist to the escalating tensions, India threw its weight behind Iran’s strike on Pakistan, calling it “self-defense.” This stance, outlined by the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasizes India’s “uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism.” Notably, India sidestepped commenting on Iran’s simultaneous strikes against Kurdish regions in Iraq and Syria, focusing solely on the incident involving Pakistan.
The deputy governor of Sistan and Baluchistan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, stated to the official IRNA news agency that authorities are currently conducting an investigation.
It is unclear how the situation will develop, but both Pakistan and Iran have demonstrated a willingness to take decisive action in defense of their perceived national interests.
(Inputs from various reports)
The Chenab Times News Desk
