Escalating Tensions: Iran’s Airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan’s Retaliation

On Tuesday (16 Jan), Iran initiated assaults in Pakistan, targeting alleged bases of the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Baluchistan Province, as reported by Iranian state media. This action has elicited strong condemnation from Islamabad.

Iran has confessed to executing a missile and drone assault on the western province of Pakistan on Tuesday. Authorities in Islamabad reported two children killed and three others injured in the Baluchistan attack. Iran’s foreign minister stated that the operation was aimed at the militant group Jaish al-Adli, which he labeled as an “Iranian terrorist group” in Pakistan. The Baluchistan attack occurred following Iran’s strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria earlier in the week.

Jaish al-Adl has previously launched attacks on Iranian security forces in the border region with Pakistan. The assault in Baluchistan on Tuesday occurred just a day after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards targeted objectives in Iraq and Syria using missiles.

Pakistan vehemently condemned the unwarranted breach of its airspace by Iran, expressing strong disapproval through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement indicated that the strike within Pakistani territory resulted in the tragic death of two children and the injury of three girls.

“The infringement upon Pakistan’s sovereignty is entirely unacceptable and may lead to serious consequences,” declared the Ministry. The statement did not specify the location of the attacks.

According to Tasnim, a semi-government Iranian News agency, the primary focus of this operation was the area referred to as Kouh-Sabz (green mountain) in Baluchistan. Local authorities acknowledged having received information about the attack.

In its statement, the foreign office characterized the incident as an “illegal act.” The statement indicated that a strong protest had been formally registered with Tehran, and the Iranian charge d’affaires had been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express the “strongest condemnation of this blatant violation.”

The foreign minister of Iran stated that the operation was directed at the militant group Jaish al-Adl, which he characterized as an “Iranian terrorist group” operating in Pakistan. Consequently, the Pakistani government recalled its ambassador to Iran and prevented Tehran’s envoy from returning.

The assault in Baluchistan follows Iran’s attacks on targets in Iraq and Syria earlier in the week. Islamabad deemed the attack “illegal” and cautioned of “serious consequences.” However, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking in Davos, asserted that no Pakistani citizens were targeted, emphasizing that only members of Jaish al-Adl were the focus of the operation. “We only targeted Iranian terrorists on the soil of Pakistan,” stated Mr. Amir-Abdollahian.

The recent airstrike occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, marked by ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza. Tehran asserts its reluctance to engage in a broader conflict. However, entities in its “Axis of Resistance,” such as Houthi militants in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and various groups in Syria and Iraq, have conducted attacks on Israel and its allies to express solidarity with the Palestinians. The U.S. and the UK have responded with airstrikes on the Houthis following their attacks on commercial shipping.

Retaliation from Pakistan

Pakistan has launched what it termed as “highly coordinated” military strikes against Iran, just over 24 hours after Iranian air raids in Baluchistan. This development has intensified tensions between the neighboring countries and raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict.

On Thursday morning (Jan 18), as per a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan conducted what it referred to as an “intelligence-based operation” targeting hideouts of armed groups in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.

Iranian state television reported that at least nine people were killed in the attacks. Following the incidents, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the senior-most Pakistani diplomat in Tehran to seek “explanations” for the attacks.

Pakistan asserted that its attack was grounded on “credible intelligence” indicating “impending large-scale terrorist activities” originating from across the border. The operation was given the codename “Marg Bar Sarmachar” (Death to Sarmachar).

“Over the past several years, in our interactions with Iran, Pakistan has consistently communicated its serious concerns regarding the safe havens and sanctuaries utilized by Pakistani-origin terrorists identifying themselves as ‘Sarmachars’ in the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan has also presented multiple dossiers containing concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists,” stated the ministry in its released statement.

“Despite our persistent expression of serious concerns and the lack of action in response, these self-proclaimed ‘Sarmachars’ persisted in causing harm to innocent Pakistanis without facing the consequences,” the statement highlighted. “This missile strike by Pakistan is a clear demonstration of the country’s unwavering determination to safeguard and defend its national security against all threats,” it added.

The Pakistani foreign ministry’s statement on Thursday indicated that Islamabad did not seek to provoke an escalation in tensions. “Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole objective of the act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised,” emphasized the statement.

In response to the Iranian attack, Pakistan had previously recalled its ambassador from Tehran, signaling its dissatisfaction. Additionally, Pakistan announced its intention to prevent Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, who is currently outside of Pakistan, from returning to the mission.

Global Reaction to the Incident

China, a close ally of both Pakistan and Iran, expressed its willingness to mediate between the two countries following the military actions. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning stated in a news conference on Thursday, “China hopes that the two sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid an escalation of tension. We are also willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides so wish.” Mao emphasized that Iran and Pakistan are “friendly countries to China and countries with important influence.”

Iran and Pakistan, as members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, have engaged closely with each other. Notably, a China-led mediation played a crucial role in assisting Iran and Saudi Arabia in brokering a deal to restore relations in March 2023.

The United States also criticized the Iranian air raids on Pakistan. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department of State, stated during a news briefing, “We have seen Iran violate the sovereign borders of three of its neighbors in just the past couple of days,” referring to the recent Iranian attacks in Syria and Iraq.

India, Pakistan’s archrival on its eastern border and traditionally considered a close ally of Iran, took a neutral stance, stating that the situation was “a matter between Iran and Pakistan.”

India’s Ministry of External Affairs conveyed, “Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self-defense,” as stated in a release on Wednesday.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed being “deeply concerned” about the military exchange, as communicated by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Dujarric stated, “He urges both countries to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a further escalation of tensions.”