The situation involves Iran launching airstrikes on Pakistani territory, targeting a Sunni militant group called Jaish al-Adl. Pakistan’s foreign ministry reported two children killed and three injured in what it deemed an “illegal” airstrike, leading to the summoning of Tehran’s senior diplomat in Islamabad to protest the “unprovoked violation of its airspace.” The strikes were reportedly aimed at the Balochistan province along the Iran-Pakistan border. Iran and Pakistan have had a historically tense relationship due to activities of Balochi separatists and other militant groups in the border area.
The connection between these strikes and the Israel-Palestine conflict is unclear. The reprisal attacks by Iran over the Kerman incident do not appear directly linked to the Gaza war but coincide with heightened instability in the region.
In addition, the Biden administration is expected to announce plans to redesignate the Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists. This move follows Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, leading to the US and allies conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The broader context suggests a wave of violence and instability spreading across the Middle East.
