Iran on January 17 said that the prime target of its bombings in Pakistan was Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni Salafist militant group with bases in Balochistan province. Tehran claimed that it was avenging the deaths of 27 Revolutionary Guards who were allegedly killed by the separatist group in 2019.
Amidst the diplomatic standoff between Iran and Pakistan over the attacks, here's a look at the militant group and what is its objective.
- Jaish al-Adl, which translates to “Army of Justice” in English, was founded in 2012.
- It emerged from Jundallah, a militant group established in 2003 and based in Iran.
- The group has been fighting for the independence of Sunni-dominated Sistan and Baluchestan province from the Iran Shiite government.
- Tehran believes that UAE, the US and Saudi Arabia are key backers of the group, and Pakistan is hosting them at their behest.
- The militants have claimed bombings and kidnapped Iranian border police in the past.
- According to the US Institute of Peace report, Jaish-al-Adl wields more power and influence than other organisations that broke out of Jundallah.
- It has taken on most of Jundallah’s tasks and functions, serving as the primary symbol of Baloch resistance in Iran.