In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Pakistani fighter jets and drones have targeted multiple houses in Iranian-administered Western Balochistan. The strikes, primarily on Baloch refugee homes, have reportedly led to civilian casualties, including women and children.
Local sources in Haqabad, located within Iran’s Sistan and Balochistan province, reported that at least ten people were killed due to the Pakistani airstrikes. The casualties included three women, two men, and several children. The first assault occurred around 4 a.m., followed by a second strike at 6 a.m. targeting individuals aiding the initial victims.
Among the confirmed deceased are Najma Baloch and the children Hani, Babar, and Chiragh Baloch. They were refugees from the Panjgur district in western Balochistan, having fled to escape ongoing Pakistani military operations in their hometown.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged these airstrikes on Thursday. They described them as a “series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes” conducted in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Balochistan province.
The operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar” (Death to Guerrilla Fighters), resulted in the deaths of several militants, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
In response to these strikes, Tehran demanded an immediate explanation from Pakistan. The Iranian state-aligned Tasnim news agency, citing an official, reported this.
Alireza Marhamati, the deputy governor of Sistan and Baluchistan, announced on state television that at least seven people were killed in the strikes. He confirmed that the deceased included three women and four children, all foreign nationals.
These strikes follow Iran’s missile and drone attacks in eastern Balochistan, which resulted in the deaths of two Baloch children and multiple injuries.
The Iranian strikes heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries, leading to Pakistan recalling its ambassador from Iran on Wednesday and suspending all high-level visits from the country.
Meanwhile, in response to Pakistani claims, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) denied any casualties among its fighters. BLF spokesperson Gwahram Baloch refuted claims of BLF bases in Iran and labeled reports of BLF fighters’ deaths as fabricated.
The situation reflects the ongoing regional conflict affecting the Baloch population on both sides of the border, emphasizing the need for international attention to civilian safety and rights in conflict zones.