iranian-forces-reportedly-eliminate-jaish-al-adl-terrorist-commander-on-pakistani-soil

In a recent development, Iran's armed forces have claimed to have successfully targeted and eliminated Ismail Shahbakhsh, a high-ranking commander of the Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) terrorist group, along with some of his associates, on Pakistani territory, according to media reports.

 

This incident follows a month-long period of heightened tensions between the two nations, marked by reciprocal air attacks.

Jaish al-Adl, identified as a Sunni terrorist group founded in 2012 and designated as a "terrorist" organisation by Iran, operates in the Sistan-Baluchistan region of southeastern Iran, as per the interior ministry.

 

Over the years, Jaish al-Adl has been responsible for numerous attacks on Iranian security personnel.

Notably, the group claimed responsibility for a December attack on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan that resulted in the death of at least 11 police officers, according to media sources.

 

Despite a recent agreement between Pakistan and Iran to enhance security cooperation, this latest incident indicates a reversal in the efforts to improve diplomatic ties.

Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani of Pakistan and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had announced the agreement during a joint news conference at the Pakistan Foreign Office, expressing the intention to promptly address "misunderstandings" and combat terrorism in their respective territories.

 

The tension escalated when both countries launched missile attacks on each other in January, targeting what they referred to as 'terrorist forces.'

Iran's missile and drone strikes on Jaish al-Adl's headquarters in Pakistan were followed by retaliation from Islamabad, which targeted the hideouts of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front.

 

Although the nations eventually agreed to the return of their ambassadors and pledged to work towards de-escalation, the recent attack threatens to further complicate diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries. The situation adds another layer of complexity to the already strained ties amid Iran's latest military actions.