Iran-Pakistan conflict: In a retaliation attack, Pakistan has reportedly launched air raids on militant positions inside Iran, a day after Tehran admitted to carrying out a deadly missile and drone strike in Pakistans Balochistan province.Pakistan launches retaliatory air raids on IranAccording to media reports, the Pakistani air force struck militant targets across the Iranian border in the wee hours of Thursday. This comes after Irans assault on Tuesday killed two children and injured three others near the countries shared frontier.On Wednesday, Pakistan strongly condemned Irans unprovoked violation of its sovereignty and airspace, asserting its right to respond to the attack deemed illegal under international law.Iran takes responsibility for airstrike in BalochistanIran had claimed its strike was aimed at the Jaish al-Adl militant group, considered terrorists by Tehran though mainly operating from Pakistans side of the border. The Sunni insurgent outfit known as the Army of Justice was formed in 2012.Following the incident, Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Iran and barred Tehrans envoy from returning. Islamabad warned of serious consequences after Irans provocative actions.What airstrikes in Balochistan underscoreExperts noted that the Balochistan attack came as Iran engaged in military operations across the region, including recent strikes in Iraq and Syria.Pakistan accused Iran of flouting norms despite established communication channels between the uneasy neighbors. Their shared 900 km border has long seen cross-border militant activity.Did China call to maintain peace between Iran, PakistanChina called on both sides to avoid escalating tensions and maintain stability after the flare-up of violence. However, the strike near Pakistans Sabz Koh village has inflamed bilateral tensions.Pakistan appears determined to defend its sovereignty while pressuring Iran to end its unilateral attacks. But the dueling military actions risk spiraling into a dangerous escalation between the regional rivals.
