TEHRAN (Daily Point) — Iranian military forces have reportedly conducted a targeted operation resulting in the elimination of Ismail Shahbakhsh, a prominent commander of the Jaish al-Adl militant group, along with several of his associates on Pakistani soil, according to Iran International English, citing Iran’s state-run media.

This incident unfolded within Pakistan’s borders just a month after reciprocal airstrikes between the two nations. Notably, it marks the first such occurrence following Pakistan’s recent general elections.

Jaish al-Adl has been implicated in numerous assaults on Iranian security forces over the years. In December, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 police personnel, as reported by Al Arabiya News.

Following the airstrikes, both countries had agreed to bolster security cooperation. However, tensions escalated when Iran conducted airstrikes within Pakistan’s territory on January 16, prompting Pakistan to recall its ambassador. In retaliation, Pakistan carried out airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist militant organizations two days later.

Despite initial hopes for a swift resolution, subsequent events indicated otherwise. Missile strikes targeted “terror units,” leading to heightened tensions. Iran launched missile and drone strikes in Pakistan on the night of January 16, targeting two significant Jaish al-Adl headquarters. Islamabad claimed these strikes resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to three girls, according to Al Arabiya News, citing the Tasnim News Agency.