IRGC Colonel Hossein-Ali Javdanfar has been killed after armed men opened fire on the car near the Pakistan border where tensions are rising since Iran launched an attack on Baluch outposts on Tuesday night.
The IRGC Ground Force’s Quds Base issued a statement identifying Javdanfar, saying he had been on a mission related to cultural activities and projects in Saravan County. Jaish al-Adl Sunni militant group has claimed responsibility for his killing, adding that two of his "bodyguards" were also killed by their forces.
The incident occurred a day after the IRGC conducted a missile and drone strike in Pakistan against the Sunni militant group.
In response, Pakistan denounced the attack as "illegal" and "completely unacceptable," claiming casualties, including the death of two children, and warning of "serious consequences."
Jaish al-Adl confirmed the strikes, stating that two of its members' homes were hit, killing two children and injuring two women and a teenage girl.
Founded in 2012, the group operates primarily in Pakistan, and Iran has previously faced border clashes with them. Despite occasional difficulties, Iran and Pakistan maintain functional relations, but the missile-and-drone attack on Pakistan is unprecedented.