Pakistan becomes first state to strike Iran after 1980-88 war with Iraq

In an alarming development on Wednesday, Iran launched unprovoked airstrikes in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, which resulted in the death of two children while injured three girls.

The escalating crisis between the two countries, which have, despite security concerns, maintained an amicable bilateral relationship, faced a severe setback due to Iran's unilateral action, violating Pakistani airspace.

In response, Pakistan retaliated to Iran's missile attacks in Balochistan's Panjgur by targeting militant hideouts in Iranian territory.

Pakistan's counterattacks marked the first time of a state launching attacks inside Iran since the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). The gravity of this significant development is evident, as no potential escalation at this level was anticipated, given the mutual support both countries have shown on the world stage.

Pakistan has become the first state to strike Iran since the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-1988. pic.twitter.com/kIIvn9tYg9

— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 18, 2024

The 900km (559-mile) volatile border has been a cause for concern between the two neighbours, with banned militant outfits from both countries disrupting peace in the region.

Analysts and world nations have emphasised the need for both countries to de-escalate the situation.

Amidst a precarious global security environment, organisations and world powers have criticised Iran's unilateral action, posing a potential risk to the entire region. This leaves innocent people vulnerable, considering the irreversible losses inflicted by the Russia-Ukraine war and Isrealie genocide in Gaza on human lives and the environment.

Seven non-Iranian nationals were killed in Pakistan’s military strikes in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iranian state-owned Press TV confirmed.

Several explosions were heard in different areas around the southeastern city of Saravan close to the border with Pakistan early Thursday morning, the news channel reported, quoting an Iranian security official.

The province’s deputy governor Alireza Marhamati said those killed in the attacks included three women and four children.