Iran closes border for an indefinite period

Closed after Taftan hotel bombing, which left 24 pilgrims dead and 18 others injured.

QUETTA:

Iran has closed its border with Pakistan for an indefinite period following the Taftan hotel bombing, which left 24 pilgrims dead and 18 others injured in a suicide attack by a militant outfit.

“Zero-Point gate on Pak-Iran border in Taftan has been closed by the Iranian officials and all activities pertaining to travelling and trade through the border are suspended,” Chagai Deputy Commissioner Saifullah Khetran said.

Meanwhile, Iranian security forces on Monday fired as many as two dozen rockets that landed in Pakistan’s territory, within the peripheries of Tehsil Mashkail in District Washuk, Balochistan.

Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durani confirmed the incident to The Express Tribune.

Frontier Corps spokesman Khan Wasey said 24 rockets, fired from the Iranian side, fell in Jumi Sham area, some two kilometres from an FC check-post.

He said the FC personnel also retaliated and fired mortar shells. “However, no loss of life was reported in the skirmishes as it is a desolate place.”

Following the Iranian shelling, the local administration lodged a protest with the Iranian authorities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2014.