Pakistan claims it attacked “terrorist” targets in Iran – DW – 01/18/2024

Two days after Tehran bombed two bases of a terrorist group located on Pakistani soil, this Thursday (01/18/2024) the Pakistani army attacked several bases of rebel groups in Iran, causing a diplomatic crisis .

“The operation was carried out at 6:30 a.m. local time (1:30 GMT) and hit at least seven positions belonging to the terrorist groups Balochi Liberation Army and Balochi Liberation Front,” a military source told EFE on condition of anonymity. Went.”

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement that several militants were killed during the bombing, which struck rebel positions in Pakistan’s neighboring Iranian province of Sistan-o-Baluchistan, and was carried out “due to the lack of action” by Iran. . Stop extremist activity.

“This morning, Pakistan carried out a series of highly coordinated military strikes against terrorist targets in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province,” the ministry said in a statement, “killing several terrorists.”

Iran reports the deaths of three women and four children

However, Tehran state media reported that at least three women and four children were killed in a Pakistani missile attack on Iran’s southeastern border area.

Public television said, “Pakistan attacked a border town with missiles,” and added that “three women and four children were killed,” none of them Iranians.

The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad warned in its statement that it would continue to take “all necessary measures to maintain the security” of Pakistan, and stressed that it would not allow its sovereignty or territorial integrity to be questioned under any circumstances. .

“Iran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. We have always emphasized dialogue and cooperation to face common challenges, including the threat of terrorism, and we strive to find joint solutions. Will continue to do.” ” The statement read.

Iranian attack creates crisis

The attacks come after Iran last Tuesday attacked two bases of Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan with missiles and drones, killing two children, according to Islamabad, which led to “serious consequences”. Had warned.

In retaliation, the Pakistani government recalled its ambassador to Tehran for consultations and announced the suspension of all high-level visits with Iran, as well as asking the Persian country to withdraw its ambassador to Islamabad.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khalil Abbas Jilani spoke over the phone with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdullahian last night, where he stressed that the Iranian attack was “not only a serious violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, but also a violation of its rights and sentiments.” Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.

JC (EFE, AFP)