The Pakistan Army released operation details regarding strikes against militants in Iran.
They disclosed that hideouts utilized by terrorist organizations, specifically the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), were successfully targeted in an intelligence-driven operation named “Marg Bar Sarmachar.” As per an announcement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan carried out targeted attacks in the early hours of Thursday on terrorist hideouts located within Iran. These strikes were aimed at individuals responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan and involved the use of lethal drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons. The operation was executed with meticulous attention to minimizing any unintended harm to surrounding areas.
The ISPR emphasized that the targeted hideouts harboured notorious terrorists, including individuals such as Dosta (alias Chairman), Bajjar (alias Soghat), Sahil (alias Shafaq), Asghar (alias Basham), and Wazir (alias Wazi). The statement reiterated the Pakistan Armed Forces’ constant readiness to protect citizens against terrorism, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. The ISPR asserted that the armed forces remain resolute in ensuring that the nation’s sovereignty is respected and protected against any potential misadventure. “We reassert our commitment to overcoming all adversaries of Pakistan with the support of the Pakistani people,” the statement emphasized. The military’s communication arm also highlighted the importance of engaging in dialogue and collaboration to address bilateral issues between the two neighbouring and fraternal nations.
The ISPR’s announcement follows the confirmation by the Foreign Office that Pakistan conducted targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts within the Iranian border. This response came after Iran violated Pakistan’s sovereignty by launching an attack in Balochistan, resulting in the tragic death of two children and injuries to three girls. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “This morning, Pakistan executed a series of well-coordinated and precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in the Sistan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran,” as part of the intelligence-based operation codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar.” The move was prompted by Iran’s claim of launching “missile and drone” strikes on the headquarters of the Jaish al-Adl group in Balochistan’s “Green Mountain” area. Pakistan strongly condemned the action near the shared border, describing it as an “unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty by Iran,” in violation of international law and the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch’s statement on Wednesday.
In its post-strike statement today, the Foreign Office emphasized that in the course of diplomatic engagements with Iran over the past few years, Pakistan consistently expressed deep concerns regarding the safe havens and sanctuaries utilized by Pakistani-origin terrorists identifying themselves as “Sarmachars” in the unregulated areas within Iran. The statement highlighted that Pakistan had shared numerous dossiers containing substantial evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists. Despite these efforts, the lack of action on Pakistan’s concerns allowed the so-called Sarmachars to persist in causing harm to innocent Pakistanis without consequence. The morning’s military action was justified in the statement based on credible intelligence pointing to imminent large-scale terrorist activities by the Sarmachars. Islamabad asserted that this operation underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its national security against all threats.
The successful execution of the operation was attributed to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, with the commitment to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Pakistani people. While reiterating full respect for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the communique clarified that the primary objective of the day’s action was to pursue Pakistan’s security and national interest, which is paramount and non-negotiable. As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan affirmed adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. The statement emphasized that Pakistan, guided by these principles and its legitimate rights within international law, would not allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged under any circumstances. Describing Iran as a brotherly country, the Foreign Office conveyed the deep respect and affection that the people of Pakistan hold for the Iranian people.
“We have consistently underscored the importance of engaging in dialogue and cooperation to address shared challenges, including the threat of terrorism, and will persist in our efforts to find collaborative solutions. In her weekly press briefing, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for the Foreign Office, announced that caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar will curtail his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos due to escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran. Baloch mentioned, ‘Given the ongoing developments, he has opted to shorten his visit.’ A day after Iran’s unprovoked attack, Islamabad took diplomatic measures by downgrading its relations with Tehran, expelling Iran’s ambassador, and recalling its envoy from Tehran. Pakistan also declared the suspension of all high-level visits between the two countries that were either ongoing or planned soon.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani conveyed to his Iranian counterpart that no nation should unilaterally launch attacks on the soil of a neighbouring country to combat terrorism. Jilani stated during a phone call with Iran’s FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, ‘No country in the region should embark on such a perilous course.’
China, a close ally of both Iran and Pakistan, called for restraint, with foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urging both parties to ‘avoid actions that could escalate tension’ and offered to mediate between Tehran and Islamabad. Simultaneously, the United States expressed disapproval of Iran’s attacks in Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Tehran had breached the ‘sovereign boundaries of three neighbouring countries within the recent days.’
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