Pak-Iran Tensions
Pakistan strongly condemns Iranian airstrike. The strike claimed lives of two innocent civilians. Pakistan labelled it an unprovoked violation of its airspace. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two children. These strike contribute to rising tensions in the region.
Iran Justifications:
Iran utilized precision missile and drone strikes to eliminate two strongholds of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The attack occurred in the Koh-e-Sabz area, as reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency. This action follows Iran’s recent missile launches in northern Iraq and Syria, contributing to the escalating hostilities in the Middle East. The ongoing war in Gaza raises concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
Civilian Toll:
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry condemns the attack on its territory, highlighting the death of two innocent children and warning Iran of serious consequences. The airstrike is denounced as an unprovoked violation of Pakistan’s airspace within its territory. The ministry expresses concern over the illegal act, emphasizing the existence of communication channels between Pakistan and Iran. In response, Pakistan recalls its ambassador from Iran and suspends all high-level visits from Iran.
Breach of Pakistan’s Sovereignty:
Mumtaz Baloch , condemns Iran’s breach of sovereignty. The airstrike is an unprovoked violation of international law and the UN Charter. She addresses the issue in a televised statement, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Baloch asserts that the Iranian Ambassador should remain in Iran, signaling a response to the perceived violation. The warning includes Pakistan’s reservation to tolerate such illegal acts against its sovereignty. The spokesperson underscores Pakistan’s right to retaliate in the face of this breach.
China’s Call:
China urges Iran and Pakistan to exercise restraint in their ongoing conflict, following a deadly strike. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, calls on both nations to avoid actions escalating tension. He stressed on the need to work together for regional peace and stability.
India Stance:
India’s Ministry of External Affairs considers the strike a matter between Iran and Pakistan, emphasizing India’s zero tolerance towards terrorism. The Jaish al-Adl militant group reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards used attack drones and rockets to destroy houses of its fighters’ families.
Baluchistan Statistics:
In Balochistan province, two girls, aged eight and 12, died in an attack, with at least four people injured, as reported by authorities to CNN. The incident occurred in the village of Koh-e-Sabz in Kulag, about 60 kilometers from Panjgur district. The district’s deputy commissioner Mumtaz Khetran confirmed the casualties and mentioned the targeting of houses and a mosque in the strikes. Koh-e-Sabz, near Pakistan’s border with Iran, is known as the home of Jaish al-Adl’s former second-in-command Mullah Hashim, who died in clashes with Iranian forces in 2018. Last month, Iran accused Jaish al-Adl militants of attacking a police station, resulting in the deaths of 11 Iranian police officers.
Jaish al- Adl
Iran Official Stance:
Iran clarifies it targeted only Iranian terrorists on Pakistani soil. No nationals of Pakistan were affected in the strike. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, emphasizes respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty but underscores the uncompromising stance on national security. The strikes in Pakistan occurred after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched ballistic missiles. The missiles targeting aMossad spy base in northern Iraq and “anti-Iran terror groups” in Syria.
Strikes in Iraq:
Iran attributes the strikes in Iraq to Israeli attacks that resulted in the deaths of Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders. The targets in Syria, according to Iran, were linked to recent dual bombings in Kerman during a memorial for Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani, causing numerous casualties. Defending the strikes as precise and targeted, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasizes deterring security threats. Concerns escalate over the potential expansion of Israel’s Gaza war into a full-scale Middle East conflict, with significant humanitarian, political, and economic consequences.
Condemnation by United States:
The United States condemns the attacks in Iraq and Syria as “reckless” and imprecise, while the United Nations advocates addressing security concerns through dialogue, not strikes. Iraq submits a complaint to the UN Security Council, denying the presence of Mossad-affiliated centers in Erbil. Iran’s Foreign Minister, at Davos, repeats claims that the Iraq strike targeted Mossad elements, emphasizing Iran’s good relations with Iraq and Pakistan. He asserts joint efforts to combat terrorism and states that the action targeted Israel, a common enemy. Emphasizing a vigorous response to any attack, he links the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East to the end of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Concerns of an escalating war
Regional hostilities escalate as the “axis of resistance,” Iran’s allies and proxies, launch attacks on Israeli forces and allies. On Tuesday, the US military conducts new strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles controlled by the Iran-backed rebel group. In response, the Houthis launch a missile into international shipping lanes, hitting the M/V Zografia, a Maltese-flagged bulk carrier.
