Iranian military forces have successfully eliminated a prominent commander of the Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) terrorist group, Ismail Shahbakhsh, along with several of his associates within Pakistani territory, according to reports.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Pakistan, marked by retaliatory airstrikes conducted by both nations.
According to reports, Jaish al-Adl, established in 2012, is designated as a ‘terrorist organization’ by Iran. Operating primarily in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, it is identified as a Sunni extremist group.
The militant group has a history of carrying out attacks on Iranian security forces, including a recent attack on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan in December, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 police personnel.
In response to these provocations, Iran launched missile and drone strikes within Pakistan on the night of January 16, targeting two ‘important headquarters’ of Jaish al-Adl. Islamabad has alleged that these strikes resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to three girls, according to reports.
