Shooting at Iran-Pakistan border, 9 people killed

Gunmen in Iran attack shop near border, killing 9 Pakistanis.

According to Haalvash, a group that protects the rights of the Baluch community in the area, the attack occurred at an auto repair shop, killing nine Pakistani employees and injuring three.

Iranian media have described only nine “foreigners” as killed. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Saravan.

Pakistani soldiers stand guard at the Taftan border crossing between Pakistan and Iran in February 2020. Photo: AFP

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described the attack as "horrific and disgusting." Islamabad immediately spoke to Iranian officials about the incident, stressing that the local government needed to immediately investigate and "hold those responsible accountable."

The shooting came shortly after Iran announced that its ambassador to Pakistan, Muhammad Mudassir Tipi, had returned to his post. Earlier this month, two ambassadors were recalled due to border tensions.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stressed that the Iran-Pakistan border "creates economic exchange opportunities" for both countries, so the sides need to protect the region from any security threats.

Balochistan is a historical region in Southwest Asia, located on the southeastern edge of the Iranian Plateau, bordering the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Sea. It is traditionally inhabited by the Baloch people and is currently divided into three regions belonging to three countries: the Balochistan province of Pakistan, the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran, and southern Afghanistan.

Balochistan (pink) lies between the borders of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Graphics: CIA

The 900-km border separating Pakistan's Balochistan province and Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan has been plagued by instability for decades, largely stemming from how the two countries deal with militant groups in the region.

Both governments need to compromise and maintain the loyalty of the Baloch tribes, but this creates opportunities for armed groups to hide and attack the other country's territory.

Thanh Danh (According to Reuters )

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