ISLAMABAD: In early hours of 18 January 2024, Pakistan carried out effective strikes against hideouts inside Iran used by terrorists responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan.
The precision strikes were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons. Maximum care was taken to avoid collateral damage.
Hideouts used by terrorist organisations namely Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front were successfully struck in an intelligence based operation, code name ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’.
The targeted hideouts were being used by notorious terrorists including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham and Wazir alias Wazi, amongst others.
Pakistan Armed Forces remain in a perpetual state of readiness to ensure safety of Pakistan citizens against acts of terrorism.
Our resolve to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan is respected and safeguarded against any misadventure, remains unwavering. We reaffirm our determination to defeat all enemies of Pakistan with the support of the people of Pakistan.
Going forward, dialogue and cooperation is deemed prudent in resolving bilateral issues between the two neighbouring brotherly countries.
Earlier, Pakistan responded to the violation of its sovereignty by Iran with targeted military strikes on terrorist hideouts within the Iranian border. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Thursday, stating that the operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” resulted in the elimination of several terrorists in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province.
The retaliatory action followed Iran’s claim of launching “missile and drone” attacks on the Jaish al-Adl group’s headquarters in Balochistan’s “Green Mountain” area, causing casualties, including the death of two children and injuries to three girls.
Pakistan condemned Iran’s breach of sovereignty as an unprovoked violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized Pakistan’s consistent communication of concerns regarding safe havens for Pakistani-origin terrorists within Iran. Despite sharing multiple dossiers with concrete evidence, Pakistan asserted that the lack of action allowed these terrorists, known as “Sarmachars,” to operate with impunity.
The military operation was carried out based on credible intelligence pointing to impending large-scale terrorist activities by the Sarmachars.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security and defending against all threats, highlighting the professionalism of its Armed Forces in executing the operation.
While acknowledging Iran as a brotherly country, the Foreign Office underscored Pakistan’s respect for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement clarified that the sole objective of the military action was to secure Pakistan’s own interests, emphasizing that such actions would not compromise the principles of international law or challenge the sovereignty of member states.
Pakistan expressed its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Iran to address common challenges, including terrorism.
