In a swift response to Iran’s airspace violation less than 48 hours prior, Pakistan executed precision military strikes on Thursday morning targeting alleged terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.

Pakistan Strikes Militant Hideouts in Retaliation to Iranian Airspace Violation

Pakistan Recalls Ambassador from Iran, Suspends High-Level Visits

The military’s media affairs wing issued a statement confirming the operation, codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ which specifically targeted hideouts used by terrorist organizations, namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).

Iran’s IRNA news agency reported nine casualties in the attack, describing them as foreign nationals. This move follows Iran’s attacks on Tuesday, where it targeted alleged bases of the militant group Jaish al-Adl in Panjgur, Balochistan, prompting strong condemnation from Islamabad and subsequent diplomatic downgrading.

Key Developments:

• ISPR emphasizes “dialogue and cooperation” for resolving bilateral issues.
• FO states the “sole objective” of the operation is in pursuit of Pakistan’s security and national interest.
• Iran asserts that “all foreign nationals” were killed in the attack on a village near Saravan.
• Prime Minister Kakar and Foreign Minister Jilani cut short their foreign visits.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) detailed the Pakistani military’s effective strikes, utilizing killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons. The operation successfully targeted hideouts used by BLA and BLF, housing notorious terrorists such as Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham, and Wazir alias Wazi, among others.

The ISPR emphasized the Armed Forces’ perpetual readiness to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens against acts of terrorism. Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity remains steadfast, with a determination to defeat all enemies supported by its people.

The Foreign Office (FO) highlighted Pakistan’s consistent concerns about safe havens for Pakistani-origin terrorists in Iran and the lack of action despite sharing concrete evidence. The FO justified the military action based on credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these groups.

While expressing respect for Iran’s sovereignty, the FO underscored that today’s act was solely in pursuit of Pakistan’s security and national interest, uncompromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles of the UN Charter and emphasizes dialogue and cooperation.

Iran condemned the strikes, reporting casualties that included women and children. The diplomatic fallout led to Prime Minister Kakar and Foreign Minister Jilani cutting short their foreign visits. Pakistan, however, reiterated its commitment to peaceful relations, expressing a desire for dialogue with neighboring countries.

President Arif Alvi affirmed Pakistan’s dedication to national security and territorial integrity, lauding the Armed Forces for targeting terrorist hideouts while avoiding civilian casualties. He called for global efforts to eliminate terrorism, emphasizing the need for mutual consultation to resolve issues between brotherly nations like Pakistan and Iran.

Amidst the rising tensions, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (Pemra) directed news channels to exercise utmost care in reporting on the situation, urging verification of information before broadcasting. The authority warned against false reporting that could incite unrest.

As the situation unfolds, diplomatic channels and public statements reflect the delicate balance between responding to perceived threats and the ongoing pursuit of regional stability.