Pakistan strikes back against Iran

Tensions mount as both sides claim to target separatists

- CHRIS HUGHES

PAKISTAN launched a blitz on "terrorist hideouts" in Iran yesterday that killed at least nine people and further raised tensions in the region.

Islamabad's demonstration of its "unflinching resolve" to defend itself came after Tehran bombed targets in Pakistan on Tuesday.

The neighbours both claim to be targeting separatist militants in the crossborder Balochistan region - which each has accused the other of harbouring.

The dead from yesterday's strike close to the town of Saravan, near the border, included three women, four children and two men.