According to various news reports, Iran and Pakistan have both conducted strikes on each other’s territories in an unprecedented escalation of hostilities between the neighbors, at a time when tensions have risen sharply across the Middle East and beyond. The main reasons for the conflict are:
- The presence of militant groups in the border region of Balochistan, which both countries accuse each other of harboring or supporting. Iran claims to have targeted the Sunni separatist group Jaish al-Adl, which has carried out attacks against Iranian security forces in the past. Pakistan claims to have retaliated against the Baloch Liberation Army, which has waged a long insurgency against the Pakistani state.
- The influence of regional and global powers, such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, the United States, and China, which have competing interests and alliances in the area. Iran is seen as a rival and a threat by Saudi Arabia and Israel, which have been involved in a proxy war with Iran in Yemen and Syria. The United States has imposed sanctions and pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and its support for militant groups. China is a major economic partner and investor in Pakistan, especially in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through Balochistan.
- The instability and uncertainty in the Middle East, which has been exacerbated by the recent war in Gaza, the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, and the ongoing civil wars in Syria and Yemen. Iran and its allies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, have been involved in several attacks and clashes with Israel and its allies, such as the UAE and Bahrain. Pakistan, which has a large Shia minority and a history of sectarian violence, has tried to maintain a neutral stance, but faces pressure from both sides.
These are some of the main factors that have contributed to the escalation of the Iran-Pakistan conflict. However, there are also many other aspects and nuances that need to be explored and analyzed. I suggest you read the following articles for more information and perspectives:
- Explained | Why did Iran attack Pakistan? What is Jaish al-Adl group targeted by Tehran?
- Why Iran attacked Pakistan, Syria and Iraq
- Why Iran Opened Fire on a Nuclear Power—And Pakistan Struck Back
- Why Iran and Pakistan are attacking each other’s territory, as Middle East tensions spiral
- Why are Iran and Pakistan sending airstrikes at each other? How many have died?
I hope this helps you with your research. Please let me know if you have any other questions or requests. 😊
Why did Iran attack Pakistan?
Iran and Pakistan have been at odds over the issue of Baloch separatism, a movement that seeks greater autonomy and rights for the ethnic Baloch people who live in both countries. Iran accuses Pakistan of harboring and supporting Baloch militants who carry out attacks inside Iran, while Pakistan denies this and says Iran is violating its sovereignty by launching cross-border strikes.
The latest escalation occurred on January 18, 2024, when Iran admitted to carrying out a missile and drone attack on western Pakistan, killing two children and injuring three others. Iran said it was targeting Jaish al-Adl, a Baloch militant group that it considers a terrorist organization. Pakistan condemned the attack as illegal and recalled its ambassador to Iran. It also carried out retaliatory strikes on militant hideouts inside Iran, claiming to kill several members of the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front, two other separatist groups.
The conflict between Iran and Pakistan is not only a bilateral issue, but also a regional one. It comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, where Iran is involved in several proxy wars with its rivals, such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the US. Iran’s strikes on Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria are seen as a show of strength and defiance, as well as a response to the recent attacks on its own soil by its enemies. However, they also risk further destabilizing the region and triggering a wider war.
I hope this blog meets your expectations. 😊
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