Iranian state media and news websites linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC were the initial sources to report the missile and drone attacks. They, nevertheless, did not explicitly state that Iran was responsible for the strikes. However, certain news websites in Tehran did mention that the IRGC was behind the attack.
Iranian news agency, Tasnim reported, "Two key strongholds of the Jaysh al-Dhulm (Jaish al-Adl) terrorist group in Pakistan" were "specifically targeted and demolished by a combination of missile and drone attacks."
What is Jaish al-Adl?
Jaish ul-Adl, also known as Jaish al-Adl, which means 'Army of Justice' in Arabic, is a Baloch Sunni Salafi separatist militant organization that primarily operates in Southeastern Iran. This region is home to a significant population of Sunni Baloch people and shares a porous border with Pakistan.
Jaish ul-Adl claims that it is a separatist organization fighting for the independence of Sistan and Baluchistan Province for the Baloch people.
The outfit has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks against military personnel in Iran.
Genesis of Jaish al-Adl
Jaish ul-Adl was established in 2012 by former members of Jundallah, another Sunni militant group that had been weakened after Iran captured and executed its leader, Abdol Malek Riki, in 2010. The group's first major attack took place in October 2013.
Jaish al-Adl is recognized as a terrorist organization by Iran, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. It has collaborated with Kurdish separatist groups in Iran and has strongly opposed Iranian involvement in the Syrian civil war.
Iranian state media has alleged that Saudi Arabia and the United States are primary backers of these outfits.
Iranian Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour said on Tuesday that some terror outfits operating in the neighboring countries are equipped with modern apparatuses, indicating that they are receiving military aid from the U.S. and its allies in the region.
Similarly, Iran has also criticized Pakistan for allegedly harboring and supporting these groups, although Pakistan has denied these accusations and called on Iran to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.