Pakistan Recalls Envoy From Tehran, Expels Iran’s Ambassador After Airstrike

Pakistan's foreign ministry labelled the Iranian airstrike as "unlawful" and strongly condemned the attacks.

On 16 January, Iran launched attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl.

(Representational photo)

A day after bases of militant group 'Jaish al-Adl' were reportedly attacked by Iran in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, Islamabad has recalled its ambassador from Tehran and expelled the Iranian envoy on Wednesday, 17 January.

Pakistan had summoned Tehran’s top envoy in Islamabad to protest the “unprovoked violation of its airspace” and said that the airstrikes were “illegal”

In a statement, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:

"We have also informed them that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being."

It added that all "all high level visits which were ongoing or were planned" between the two countries have been suspended.

The ministry said that two children were killed and three others were injured in the airstrikes. The ministry labelled the Iranian airstrike as "unlawful" and strongly condemned the attacks.

“This violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences. It resulted in the death of two innocent children while injuring three girls."

In the attack, purportedly targeted at Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group which largely operates across the border in Pakistan, Missiles and drones were used. Jaish al-Adl was formed in 2012 and labelled as a “terrorist” organisation by Iran.

"These bases were hit and destroyed by missiles and drones," Iranian state media reported.

The strikes have come at a time when there is already tension brewing in the region of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, and other Houthi rebel attack in the Red Sea and surrounding regions.

On 15 January, Iran fired missiles into Iraq at what it called an Israeli “spy headquarters” near the US Consulate compound in the city of Irbil, AP reported.

The reprisal attacks by Iran in response to the Kerman incident appear to lack a direct connection to the ongoing Gaza war. However, they coincide with a period of increased regional instability resulting from the Gaza conflict.

Houthi rebels, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, targeted Red Sea shipping, prompting the US and its allies to conduct airstrikes in Yemen for the first time, specifically targeting Houthi positions.

On Tuesday, the US initiated another strike against the Houthis, focusing on anti-ship missiles. This marked the third assault on the Iranian-backed group in recent days. In the most recent Red Sea shipping incident, a Greek-owned cargo ship, the Zografia, was struck by a missile off the coast of Yemen as it traveled to the Suez Canal from Vietnam to Israel. Fortunately, the ship remained navigable, and no injuries were reported.

Amid these developments, the Biden administration is anticipated to announce its intention to redesignate the Houthis as specially designated global terrorists on Wednesday, as reported by US media.