January 18,2024 : Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Thursday against what it described as “terrorist hideouts” in Iran, responding to Tehran’s attack on the Balochi group Jaish al-Adl’s headquarters within Pakistani territory. The intelligence-based operation, named “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” resulted in the reported elimination of “a number of terrorists,” according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. However, Iranian media contested the claim, asserting that seven individuals, including four children, lost their lives in the retaliation.
The strikes occurred in the Sistan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran and followed recent Iranian attacks on what they deemed as “terrorist targets” within Pakistan. Islamabad asserted that the previous Iranian assault had resulted in the deaths of two children.
In an official statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry characterized the strikes as a highly coordinated and precision military operation aimed at combating terrorism in the region. Despite the tensions, Islamabad emphasized its regard for Iran as a “brotherly country” and framed the action as a demonstration of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its national security.
Stressing the paramount importance of its national interests, Pakistan affirmed its respect for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement further highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding communication of concerns to Iran regarding safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists, known as ‘Sarmachars,’ within ungoverned spaces in Iran.
Pakistan further asserted that it had shared multiple dossiers containing concrete evidence of the presence and activities of the terrorists in question. Expressing frustration over the lack of action on its serious concerns, Pakistan stated that the so-called Sarmachars continued to harm innocent Pakistanis with impunity. The decision to carry out the morning’s action was based on credible intelligence indicating an imminent large-scale terrorist threat posed by these individuals.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, Iran targeted two bases of Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan’s Balochistan province using missiles and drones. In response, Pakistan condemned Iran’s “violation of its airspace” and issued a warning about the potential “serious consequences” of such actions.
Describing Iran’s breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty as an “unprovoked and blatant” violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday. The illegal act was deemed completely unacceptable with no justifiable reason. Pakistan declared its right to respond to this “illegal act,” placing the responsibility for consequences squarely on Iran.
In a series of diplomatic measures, Pakistan announced the recall of its ambassador from Iran and the suspension of all high-level visits between the two countries. The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, currently in Iran, was advised not to return for the time being. Jaish al-Adl, designated as a terrorist group by Iran, was formed in 2012 and has been responsible for multiple attacks on Iranian soil in recent years.
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