The shared border spanning 900 kilometers between Iran and Pakistan has been a battleground for decades, marked by sporadic attempts at cooperation but more often overshadowed by accusations and deadly cross-border attacks. In a recent and concerning escalation, both nations engaged in deadly strikes, exacerbating what is now the worst-ever flare-up of violence between them.
A significant turning point occurred when Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Pakistan's Balochistan province, targeting Jaish al-Adl, a Baluch militant group believed to be operating from Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan conducted air strikes in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, focusing on the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), suspected separatist groups finding refuge in Iran.
Between January 15 and 16, Iran executed strikes in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan, utilizing ballistic missiles and drones. Pakistan responded on January 18 with a missile strike near Saravan in Iran, resulting in at least nine casualties, including six children and two women—a grim milestone as the first foreign assault on Iran since the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88).
The repercussions of these cross-border attacks have sent shockwaves through diplomatic channels. Ambassadors have been recalled, envoys blocked, and relations strained. This unexpected setback comes after recent efforts to improve ties, including meetings between Iran's Foreign Minister and Pakistan's acting prime minister, signaling a breakdown in diplomatic progress.
In the name of security and sovereignty, both Pakistan and Iran have endangered the lives of ordinary Baloch children and women.
— Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) January 18, 2024
Under the pretext of safeguarding their security and sovereignty, missiles are indiscriminately deployed against Baloch, which has put the safety of… pic.twitter.com/cTytugans5
Historical Context:
The historical backdrop of Iran-Pakistan relations reveals a longstanding struggle in Baluch areas on both sides of the border. Balochistan, rich in resources but economically challenged, has faced separatist insurgency since 2004. Simultaneously, Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan has witnessed sporadic attacks by separatists and militant groups.
The emergence of Jaish al-Adl after the crackdown on Jundallah in 2010 triggered accusations against Pakistan, leading to cross-border missile attacks by Iran. Conversely, Pakistan accuses Iran of supporting the BLA and BLF, perpetuating a cycle of blame.
Experts express concerns that the recent escalations may bolster support for militant allies on both sides, potentially prolonging and escalating the Baluch conflicts. The volatile region faces a heightened risk of instability, with the international community closely monitoring the situation for potential ramifications.
As tensions peak between Iran and Pakistan along their shared border, the Baloch population finds itself caught in the crossfire. Innocent lives, particularly those of women and children, are at grave risk, prompting an urgent need for diplomatic resolutions. The international community must vigilantly advocate for peace and equality, ensuring that geopolitical maneuvering does not overshadow the cries for a secure and stable future in Balochistan.
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