What is Jaish al-Adl, the Sunni militant group in Pakistan targeted by Iran?

Iran on Tuesday launched airstrikes within Pakistan, targeting facilities it claims belong to the militant faction Jaish al-Adl , thereby escalating already heightened tensions in the Middle East, a region currently unsettled by Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Pakistan condemned these strikes as an “unprovoked violation” of its airspace, citing the tragic deaths of two children and injuries to three others. These strikes within Pakistan, a nation possessing nuclear capabilities, poses a significant risk to the already wary yet diplomatically engaged relationship between the two nations.

This offensive comes in the wake of Iranian strikes in Iraq and Syria, representing Tehran’s aggressive stance. Here is all you need to know about the terror group “Jaish al-Adl’ Jaish al-Adl, or the “Army of Justice”, is a separatist organization that was founded in 2012 by members of Jundallah, a previous Sunni militant group that had been weakened by Iran’s capture and execution of its leader, Abdolmalek Rigi, in 2010. The group claims to fight for the independence of Sistan and Balochistan Province.

The group’s logo features green coloring, the organization’s name in both Arabic and English, and symbols including the scales of justice hanging from an assault rifle, crossed sabers above a Koran, indicating its ideological and militant nature. Leadership is headed by Salahoodin Farooqi and his deputy Mullah Omar, with limited information about other leaders. The group is linked to al-Qaida in Pakistan and supports Sunni opposition in Syria’s civil war and Iranian Kurdish separatists.

The group also maintains ties with Ansar Al-Furqan, another Iranian Baloch Sunni armed group operating in Iran. Jaish ul Adl actively showcases its operations on platforms like YouTube, distinguishing itself by its fighters’ tendency not to withdraw. The group’s videos depict militants engaging government forces at close quarters and utilizing infrared technology for night raids on government sites.

The group’s lethal reputation among Baloch rebel factions is attributed to its disciplined, highly mobile approach, deep understanding of the terrain, innovative tactics, and robust logistical support system. Jaish al-Adl has claimed responsibility for several attacks against military personnel and state officials in Iran, as well as cross-border raids from Pakistan against Iranian border troops . Some of the notable attacks are: In October 2013, the group killed 14 Iranian border guards in the city of Saravan, in retaliation for 16 Iranian Baloch prisoners who were on death row .

Iran responded by hanging the prisoners the next day. In November 2013, the group assassinated Musa Nuri, the Zabol city prosecutor, and his driver in the city of Zabol . In February 2019, the group carried out a suicide bombing on a bus carrying members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), killing 27 and injuring 13 near the city of Zahedan.

In October 2019, the group abducted 14 Iranian security personnel, including IRGC members, near the border with Pakistan. Five of them were later released after Pakistan’s mediation. In January 2020, the group attacked a military base in Nikshahr, killing one soldier and wounding five others.

In January 2024, the group was targeted by Iran’s missile and drone strikes in Pakistan, which Iran said was in response to the group’s attacks and kidnappings of Iranian security forces². Reactions Jaish al-Adl has been designated as a terrorist organization by Iran, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. Iran has accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting the group, and has threatened to launch raids inside Pakistan in the past.

Pakistan has denied the allegations and urged Iran to respect its territorial integrity. Explore Your Financial Landscape with Personalized Credit Insights. About the Author TOI World Desk At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock.

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