Counterstrike: Pakistan strikes inside Iran with operation 'Marg Bar Sarmachar'

Retaliating to Iranian airstrikes within its sovereign territory, Pakistan has responded in teh same coin as it undertook a series of “highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes” against terrorist hideouts in Sistan-o-Baluchistan province inside the Iranian border. In operation ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’, Pakistan claimed to have killed a number of terrorists. The attack was a response to missile and drone strike launched by Tehran on Tuesday targeting the Jaish al-Adi group’s headquarters in Balochistan’s “Green Mountain” area. Two were dead and three girls injured in the attack. Pakistan denounced the strike by Tehran near the nations’ shared border. “This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces," Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred,” the ministry said. Also Read: Pakistan strikes militant targets in Iran day after 'serious consequences' warning The statement by the foreign ministry said over the last several years, Pakistan, in its engagements with Iran, has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists calling themselves “Sarmachars” on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. It further claimed to have shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists. “However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so called Sarmachars,” the Pakistan’s foreign ministry said. “Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and the sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised,” it said. “As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles, and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances,” the country’s foreign ministry said. Terming Iran a brotherly country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. “We have always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endevaour to find joint solutions," it added. On Wednesday, hours after Iran’s unprovoked attack, Islamabad downgraded its diplomatic relations with Tehran, and expelled Iran’s ambassador as well as called back its envoy in Tehran. Islamabad also announced suspending all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days.