Pakistan Strikes Terrorist Hideouts in Iran’s Sistan Province

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan conducted a targeted operation against specific terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan province, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson on Thursday.

The operation, based on intelligence, resulted in the elimination of several terrorists in Sistan province.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that the Sarmachar, responsible for harming innocent Pakistanis, prompted this action due to persistent concerns and lack of action.

The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan has consistently communicated information about terrorist activities to Iran over the past few years.

The operation signifies Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding national security against all threats, with the country expressing serious concerns about terrorist hideouts for an extended period.

It’s worth mentioning that on Monday, Iranian security forces breached Pakistan’s airspace, launching missile and drone attacks in Balochistan. Iranian state TV Noor News claimed responsibility, stating that the attacks targeted two bases of the Jaish-ul-Adl organization in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province.

In response, the Foreign Office strongly condemned Iran’s violation of Pakistan’s airspace and summoned the Iranian Affairs Minister to address the matter. The Foreign Office asserted that this breach of sovereignty is entirely unacceptable and may have severe consequences, holding Iran accountable for its actions.

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Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar

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— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 18, 2024

Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday morning declared, “In our diplomatic interactions with Iran spanning several years, Pakistan consistently conveyed serious concerns about the presence of safe havens and sanctuaries harboring Pakistani-origin terrorists who identify as Sarmachars within the ungoverned spaces of Iran. Pakistan has shared multiple dossiers containing concrete evidence of these terrorists’ activities and existence.

“Regrettably, due to a lack of action on our persistent concerns, these self-proclaimed Sarmachars continued to perpetrate violence against innocent Pakistanis with impunity. The action taken this morning was based on credible intelligence indicating an imminent large-scale terrorist threat posed by these so-called Sarmachars.”

Pakistan affirmed that today’s operation reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its national security against all threats.

“The successful execution of this intricate operation underscores the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan remains committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its people, a commitment that is considered sacrosanct and inviolable,” the statement added.

“Pakistan deeply respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The primary objective of today’s operation was to secure Pakistan’s own security and national interests, which are of paramount importance and cannot be compromised.

“As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan adheres to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states.

Guided by these principles and exercising our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will not tolerate any challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, under any pretext or circumstances.

“Iran is a fraternal country, and the people of Pakistan hold great respect and affection for the Iranian people. We consistently advocate for dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared challenges, including the scourge of terrorism, and will continue to strive for collaborative solutions,” concluded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

It is a developing story.