Two days after Iranian airstrikes on Pakistani territory, Pakistan responded by attacking targets in Iran. The foreign ministry of the nuclear-armed country announced that the attacks in the province of Sistan and Balochistan on Thursday were targeted by extremists. According to the Iranian news agency Irna, a total of nine people were killed, including four children. As the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported, the charge d’affaires of the Pakistani embassy was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Tehran to explain the incident.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement that it respects Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The sole aim of the operation was to protect one’s own security and national interests. “This action reflects Pakistan’s determination to protect and defend its national security against all threats,” the statement added.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced that the Pakistani attacks, like the Iranian ones before them, were aimed at the Sunni group Jaish al-Adl. Following Iran’s attack, Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties by recalling its envoy from Tehran and asking the Iranian ambassador not to return to Islamabad.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke by phone with his Pakistani counterpart on Wednesday, apparently to ease tensions between the neighbors. Pakistan’s response came after Iran attacked the militant group’s bases in Pakistan on Tuesday, saying they were linked to Israel. Pakistan said civilians were hit and two children were killed.
Jaish al-Adl, the militant organization of the Baloch ethnic group, has attacked Iranian security forces in the border area in the past. Both Iran and the USA designate it as a terrorist organization. Relations between Pakistan and Iran have been difficult in the past. However, the air strikes are among the most serious incidents in recent years.