insideIRAN | Tension Rises As Pakistan Arrests Iran’s IRGC

Tension Rises As Pakistan Arrests Iran’s IRGC

October 26th, 2009

Press TV
Arash Aramesh

Eleven Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRCG) soldiers have been arrested for illegal entry into Pakistani territory. The Iranian state-run Press TV reported that the IRGC has denied entering Pakistani territory. A Pakistani police officer told the Associated Press that the Iranian troops were detained, their two cars grounded, and they are now undergoing interrogation. Press TV said Iranian troops were in the area to find and capture “fuel smugglers.”

The IRGC has assumed responsibility for the security of the troubled Sistan Baluchestan province. Eight days ago, a suicide bomber killed more than 40 guardsmen, including six high- ranking IRGC commanders. The Jundollah Group (God’s Soldiers) assumed responsibility for the attacks. Iran believes that Jundollah fighters hide inside Pakistan and receive support from the CIA, the MI6, and the Pakistani ISI.

After last week’s suicide bombing, which killed the IRGC deputy commander of ground forces, Iran has increased its pressure on Pakistan to cooperate in finding those responsible for the attacks. A high-ranking Iranian delegation, led by Interior Minister Mostafa Najjar, a former IRGC general, was sent to Pakistan to talk about security issues.

Pakistan is fighting the Taliban forces in its northwestern province and is perceived too weak and unwilling to deal with the security situation near its border with Iran. Iranian officials have said that Iran is able and willing to pursue terrorists inside Pakistani territory if Pakistan is unable to do so.

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