Pakistan carried out a series of targeted attacks on claimed terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-o-Baluchistan province on Thursday. The operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” was carried out in revenge for Iran’s recent attack on the Balochi terrorist Jaish al-Adl’s headquarters in Pakistan, which Islamabad claimed killed two children.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry asserted that the strikes were a measured response to safeguard its national security against imminent large-scale terrorist activities by groups it identifies as “Sarmachars.” The ministry emphasized the operation’s precision and specific targeting to minimize collateral damage.
🔊: PR NO. 1️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣
Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar
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— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 18, 2024
Islamabad described Iran as a “brotherly country,” reaffirming its commitment to protecting its national interests while respecting Iran’s sovereignty. The official statement also reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing worries regarding purported safe havens for Pakistani-origin terrorists in Iran, emphasizing the sharing of various dossiers containing tangible evidence with Iranian authorities.
Iranian media reported seven casualties, including four children, contradicting Pakistan’s claim of targeting militants exclusively. The retaliatory strikes coincide with heightened tensions in the region, stemming from Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Jaish al-Adl bases in Balochistan earlier this week.
Pakistan strongly condemned Iran’s violation of its airspace, branding it an illegal act and a breach of international law. Islamabad warned of “serious consequences” and announced the recall of its ambassador from Iran, while also suspending ongoing and planned high-level visits between the two nations.
The escalation between Iran and Pakistan occurs against the backdrop of the Hamas-Israel conflict in the Middle East and a surge in attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The situation continues to evolve, with the international community closely monitoring the developments in this volatile region.