The News Freedom
New Delhi, January 17
In response to Iran’s airstrikes on Jaish al-Adl terrorist group bases in Balochistan, Pakistan has denounced what it considers an ‘unprovoked violation of its airspace’ and issued a warning of potential ‘consequences.’ India officially commented on the situation, emphasizing that it views the matter as a bilateral issue between Iran and Pakistan.
Official spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that India maintains a steadfast stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. He emphasized that from India’s perspective, the ongoing developments primarily concern Iran and Pakistan. Jaiswal acknowledged the complexities of actions taken by nations in self-defense and reiterated India’s commitment to its unequivocal position against terrorism.
According to the BBC, officials in Islamabad said two children were killed and three others injured in the attack in Balochistan. Iran’s foreign minister said the operation targeted the militant group Jaish al-Adli, which he described as an “Iranian terrorist group” in Pakistan. As a result, the Pakistan’s government recalled its ambassador to Iran and has blocked Tehran’s envoy from returning.
The Balochistan attack comes after Iran attacked targets in Iraq and Syria earlier this week. “The attack was “illegal” and warned of serious consequences”, Islamabad said. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking in Davos, insisted that no Pakistani citizens had been targeted, only members of Jaish al-Adl, the BBC reported.
“We only targeted Iranian terrorists on the soil of Pakistan,” Mr Amir-Abdollahian said. He added he had spoken to his Pakistani counterpart and “assured him that we do respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and Iraq” as per the BBC report.
The BBC highlighted that the latest air strike comes at a time of growing tension across the Middle East, with war raging between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.