Pakistan on Thursday morning struck terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Siestan-o-Baluchistan province, less than 48 hours after Iran
violated its airspace.
According to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan undertook a series of “highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes” and killed a number of terrorists during the intelligence-based operation codenamed
‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’.
Key developments
- FO says action taken in light of credible intelligence of large-scale terrorist activities by Sarmachars
- Iran says three women, four children — “all non-Iranian nationals” — killed in attack targeting village near city of Saravan
- Pakistani strikes come after Islamabad downgraded diplomatic ties with Iran
- Caretaker information minister says airspace violation by Iran under investigation; PM and FM to cut short foreign visits
Iran on Tuesday had
launched attacks in Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, Iranian state media reported, prompting strong condemnation from Islamabad and downgrading of diplomatic ties.
The Iranian strikes were part of a series of attacks carried out by Iran in recent days in Syria and Iraq as a response to recent terrorist attacks on its territory. They have heightened concerns about regional stability, particularly amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The FO statement on Thursday morning said: “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. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists.”
“However, because of 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.
“This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces.”
“Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred,” said FO.
The statement stressed that Pakistan “fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran”, adding “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”.
“As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles, and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances.
“Iran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. We have always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endeavour to find joint solutions,” it concluded.
Meanwhile, the Iranian state media reported that at least three women and four children were killed in the Pakistani strikes on Iran’s southeast border region.
“Pakistan attacked an Iranian border village with missiles,” state television said, quoting Alireza Marhamati, deputy provincial governor of Iran’s Siestan-o-Baluchistan province.
“Three women and four children were killed in this incident. All non-Iranian nationals,” he added, noting that the attack targeted a village near the city of Saravan on the border with Pakistan.
Says enemies not allowed to strain relations with Pakistan "when the genocide and crimes of the Zionist regime are the foremost issue affecting the Islamic world".
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BLF has responded to the news as well that we struck with missiles and drones. Quetta air base was quite busy last night and was put on high alert but somebody would have noticed that Pakistans response assets are too far away. I dont think our strategic assets will be relocated but we may build more military assets. Now both sides have their strikes so saner heads should prevail and situation deescalated.
I still have no idea what happened. It can be to strike Jandullah. Yes they struck but to be so belligerent is just reckless. Either there are issues in IRGC which i find hard to believe or they wanted to strike Pakistan to justify further operations in Iraq and Syria by stating that we are targeting terrorists all across our neighbors because right now the hot borders of Iran are at completely other end. Why target a border that is cool and silent?