On Thursday morning, Pakistan conducted precision military strikes on terrorist hideouts in Iran under an operation codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar.’
The strikes came less than 48 hours after Iran attacked alleged militant bases in Pakistan.
Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that a number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation in the Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran.
As per Iran’s state agency IRNA, nine people, including seven non-Iranian nationals, were killed in the strike. This includes four women and three children.
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Pakistan said that it has continuously expressed its worries to Iran about the safe havens and sanctuaries that terrorists of Pakistani descent, known as “Sarmachars,” enjoy in the ungoverned areas of Iran.
“However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity,” the MoFA said.
It mentioned that the action was taken in light of “credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities.”
The ministry said that the 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,” the MoFA stated while saying that the country will keep taking necessary steps to safeguard the safety of its people.
Respect for Iranian Sovereignty, China Offers Mediation
Pakistani PM Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has cut short his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos amid the rising tensions.
Meanwhile, following its strikes in Iran, Pakistan has assured that it fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It affirmed that the military action was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest, which is “paramount and cannot be compromised.”
Calling Iran a “brotherly country,” the ministry said that Pakistan has always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting shared challenges like terrorism and will “continue to endeavour to find joint solutions.”
Pakistan says it has attacked several “terrorist hideouts” in Iran, a day after Iran says it struck “terrorist headquarters” in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/NrJnVM3Ela
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Additionally, China has offered to mediate between Iran and Pakistan following the attacks.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that China is “willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides so wish.”
Iran’s Strikes on Pakistan, Indian Response
Iranian media reported that Tehran struck two headquarters of the militant group Jaish al-Adl in Koh Sabz (Green Mountain) in Pakistan’s Baluchistan with missile and drone attacks on Tuesday.
Pakistan condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and said that the attack could have serious consequences. Islamabad also recalled its envoy to Iran a day after the attack.
Meanwhile, India defended Iran’s actions in its response in the wake of the attack.
“This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self-defence,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.