Pakistan Strikes Militant Bases Inside Iran in Retaliatory Attack

Pakistan launched airstrikes on separatist militants in Iran as a retaliatory attack following Iran’s strikes on the bases of another group inside Pakistani territory. The cross-border incursions have raised concerns about wider instability in the region amid the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza. Both Pakistan and Iran emphasized their commitment to good neighborly relations but called on each other to prevent the establishment of terrorist bases on their respective soils.

Pakistan’s strikes targeted bases used by the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) and the associated Baloch Liberation Army, resulting in several casualties. Iran condemned the attack and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to provide an explanation. Tehran reported civilian deaths, including women and children. While the motivation for Iran’s attack on Pakistan remains unclear, analysts warn of the potential for escalation.

The situation is further complicated by Iran’s recent strikes on Syria and Iraq, as well as the Iran-backed Houthi militia‘s actions in the Red Sea, all in solidarity with Palestinians. Despite recent efforts to improve bilateral ties, Pakistan’s incursion into Iranian territory has raised concerns. Russia and Turkey have called for restraint and peaceful resolution of differences through diplomacy.

The targeted militant groups operate in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. The Baloch Liberation Front is conducting an armed insurgency against the Pakistani state, while Jaish al Adl poses a threat to Shia-majority Iran and has carried out attacks on the Revolutionary Guard Corps.