Iran launched missiles and drones on Tuesday in Pakistan, targeting what it described as bases for the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl.Pakistan condemned the attack as an "unprovoked violation" of its airspace, and said it killed two children and wounded three others. This incident could have serious consequences for the relations between the two countries, as well as the stability of the region.
Jaish al-Adl, or the Army of Justice, is a Sunni militant group that operates mainly in southeastern Iran, where there is a substantial concentration of Sunni Baluchis and a porous border with Pakistan. The group was founded in 2012 by members of Jundallah, another Sunni militant group that had been weakened by Iran¹. Jaish al-Adl has claimed responsibility for several attacks against Iranian security forces and civilians over the years, including a suicide bombing in 2019 that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards. The group seeks independence for Sistan and Baluchistan Province and greater rights for Baluch people . Jaish al-Adl is considered a terrorist organization by Iran, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.
According to various sources, the population of Baluchis in Iran ranges from 1.5 million to 2 million, which is about 2 percent of the total Iranian population. Baluchis are mainly concentrated in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan, where they form the majority of the population. Baluchis speak Balochi and Brahui languages, which belong to the Western Iranic and Dravidian language families respectively. Baluchis are mostly Sunni Muslims, unlike the majority of Iranians who are Shia Muslims. Baluchis have a rich and diverse culture, with influences from Persian, Indian, and Arab civilizations.