New Delhi: In a major escalation of tensions in the region, Iran has launched a missile and drone strike on Pakistan, targeting the bases of Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni terrorist organization that operates on the Pakistan-Iran border. The attack, which was ordered by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, was a retaliation for a deadly attack by Jaish al-Adl on Iranian border police in December 2020, which killed 11 officers.
Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack, which violated its airspace and sovereignty, and resulted in the death of two innocent children and the injury of three girls. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said that the unilateral action by Iran was not a sign of a good neighbour, and warned of serious consequences. Pakistan also summoned an Iranian official to protest the attack.
The attack took place while Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister was meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister in Switzerland, unaware of the situation. Jaish al-Adl also confirmed that it was hit by several missiles, and released videos showing the destruction of residential houses in the Kauh Sabz area of Panjgur, which was a stronghold of the group.
The attack by Iran has raised the spectre of a Third World War, as the world is already witnessing a fierce war on two other fronts. The attack has also increased the pressure on Pakistan, which is accused of harbouring and supporting terrorist groups that target neighbouring countries. Iran has vowed to continue its fight against Jaish al-Adl, which it considers a threat to its national security and stability.
