Pakistan strikes 'Baloch terrorist hideouts' inside Iranian territory

Tensions have escalated in India's Western neighbourhood with Pakistan launching retaliatory strikes against Iran after recalling its envoy from Tehran. Islamabad has also suspended all engagements that were scheduled for the coming days.

The Pakistani Air Force has reportedly launched strikes against Baloch groups in Iran's Sistan, Baluchestan provinces. Pakistan has reportedly attacked the posts of two Baloch separatist groups - the Balochistan Liberation Front and the Balochistan Liberation Army - near the city of Saravan in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan provinces.

Although the two countries have had troubled relations over the last four decades, this was for the first time that Pakistan recalled its envoy from Iran.


Indian MEA spokesman on Thursday refused to comment on Pakistani airstrikes. The spokesman expressed India's deep concern over the Red Sea situation.

Sources told ET that the Pakistani establishment wanted to show that it is acting "tough". Elections are due in Pakistan next month.

Meanwhile, China has tried to use its good offices with both Pakistan and Iran to help reduce tensions, but has achieved little success so far. ET has learnt that Saudi Arabia, too, is trying to mediate to restore peace in the region. On Wednesday night, India backed Iran's right to carry out strikes against terror groups in Pakistan. However, Tehran has made it clear it will continue to counter terrorism.

On Wednesday night, Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said: "We condemn terrorism worldwide. Any action against the rights of the Iranian people will definitely receive a reaction, and we strongly respond, and we regard no limits when it comes to defending our national interests."

Iran-Pakistan friction comes amid Hamas-Israel conflict and the Red Sea situation. This week, Iran flexed its muscle in a bid to reaffirm its position as a regional power.