Pakistan Responds to Iran’s Attack with Strikes on Terrorist Hideouts in Iran

Islamabad: In response to Iran’s violation of its sovereignty, this morning Pakistan swiftly executed a precision military operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” targeting terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-o-Baluchistan province. A significant number of terrorists were neutralized during the Intelligence-based operation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Pakistan executed a series of precise military strikes in Iran’s Sistan-o-Baluchistan province against terrorist hideouts, eliminating several terrorists. Codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’, the operation targeted Pakistani-origin terrorists known as Sarmachars operating within Iran’s ungoverned spaces. Pakistan, having expressed concerns to Iran about these safe havens, initiated the operation due to a lack of action, aiming to counter impending large-scale terrorist activities.

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Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar

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— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 18, 2024

Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed its longstanding concerns about safe havens for Pakistani-origin terrorists within Iran, providing multiple dossiers with concrete evidence. With a lack of action from Iran, Pakistan initiated the Operation

“Over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists calling themselves ‘Sarmachars’ on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran,”

Expressing frustration over the inaction, the release stated, “Because of a lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars.”, said the Foreign Ministry.

According to reports from the Iranian state media, at least 7 casualties have been reported in the attack by Pakistani forces.

The response from Pakistan came after on Tuesday Iran launched unprovoked attacks in the Pakistani territory of Panjgur, Balochistan, on the pretext of targeting alleged bases of the Iranian militant group Jaish al-Adl. The Irani missile strikes resulted in the death of two young girls, injuring three others, and damaging a mosque and three houses.  This move prompted strong condemnation from Islamabad, leading to the downgrading of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“The sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised.” said the foreign office.

In response to the Iranian missile and drone strikes, Pakistan had previously downgraded diplomatic relations, recalling its ambassador from Tehran and withholding the return of Iran’s ambassador. The Foreign Office warned of consequences, stating that Pakistan reserved the right to retaliate against what it deemed an “illegal act” without justification.

Despite the military response, Pakistan reiterated its respect for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The sole objective of the operation was framed as safeguarding Pakistan’s security and national interests. The Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan’s role as a responsible member of the international community, upholding the principles of the UN Charter.

The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of China, Mao Ning, has urged both countries to avoid any further actions that might lead to an escalation of tension.