The Pakistani authorities today detained 11 Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the Mashkhel area , that serves as the border between Pakistan and Iran. Today’s incursion has been related with Iran’s firm resolve to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the suicide bomb attack last week, that killed a top Revolutionary Guard commander among many others in Iran’s southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province.

Iran has repeatedly been seeking Pakistan’s permission to enter the region for an operation against the Jundollah (God’s soldiers), who had taken the responsibility for the attack. Yesterday, another Revolutionary Guards’ commander stated that the Iranian armed forces should be given the go ahead to conduct anti-terror operation inside Pakistan. However, Pakistan most certainly will not be entertaining any such requests, especially at a time, when the nation’s army is conducting a massive offensive against terrorists in the South Waziristan region .

As per Iranians, the infiltration was not pre-determined and should be taken as an accidental violation of the borders. The Revolutionary Guards were conducting an operation against some Jundollah operatives, when they strayed into Pakistani territory. According to Pakistani border officials,

“It’s a serious matter. We are investigating why they crossed into our territory.”

However, the Iranian state run news agency had a complete different story. In one of the broadcasts, the media reported,

“Five soldiers, three non-commissioned police officers who were chasing fuel smugglers at Iran’s border with Pakistan have been arrested in Pakistan. Also two of the smugglers were arrested by Pakistani guards.”

Via Reuters.