In which countries has Iran conducted missile strikes?
Recently, Iran has conducted missile strikes on Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. This has made people worried about the possibility of a conflict in the Middle East that could spread to nearby areas.
Why did Iran conduct missile strikes on the three countries?
Iran launched missile strikes against three countries in response to attacks on its soil or Iranian targets. The strikes hit Islamic State militants in Syria after a bombing in reaction to a bombing that killed many people in central Iran on 3rd January 2024.
Iranian missiles were also fired at Iraq to destroy sites claimed to be Israeli spy structures. Israel has killed key members of Iran's Lebanese partner, Hezbollah, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in Lebanon and Syria.
In Pakistan, Iran reports destroying two camps of the Baluchi militant group Jaish al Adl, responsible for an attack in December that killed Iranian security officers.
What are the reactions to the attacks?
Pakistan attacked militant hiding places in Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan province. They targeted groups called the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). Pakistan claimed to have killed many militants, but Iran is seeking an explanation. Pakistan also said the attacks by Iran harmed Pakistani civilians.
Iraq recalled its ambassador to Iran and talked to Iran's representative in Baghdad (Iraq’s capital city) about the missile strikes. Iraq says many civilians died in the attacks and wants to discuss it at the UN Security Council. They also mentioned the attacked sites were not Israeli spy installations.
At the time of this writing, there has been no response from Syria about the attacks. Let’s hope the countries solve their issues and the situation does not turn into another war.
