Retaliation By Pakistan: 9 Dead In Iran Strikes On “Militant Targets”

(CTN News) – The Pakistani military struck “terrorist hideouts” in Iran on Thursday, a day after threatening Tehran with “serious consequences” for its attack on the Balochi group Jaish al-Adl’s headquarters.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said “a number of terrorists” were killed during the intelligence-based operation.

The attack claimed the lives of nine people, including four children. Earlier that day, Iran attacked “terrorist targets” in Pak, which Islamabad claimed killed two children.

In an official statement, Foreign Ministry said it carried out precision strikes this morning against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. Pak capital, Islamabad, described Iran as a “brotherly country” and said that the action demonstrated its dedication to protecting and defending its national security.

The Ministry said that security and national interests are paramount and cannot be compromised. It added that Islamabad “fully respects” Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During our engagements with Iran over the last several years, Pak has consistently expressed concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani terrorists dubbed ‘Sarmachars’ on the ungoverned spaces within Iran.

A number of dossiers containing evidence of these terrorists’ presence and activities were also shared by Pakistan.

Despite our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continue to kill innocent Pakistanis. These so-called Sarmachars were suspected of committing large-scale terrorist activities, it said this morning.

With missiles and drones, Iran attacked two Jaish al-Adl bases in Balochistan province earlier Tuesday.

Iran’s “violation of its airspace” was condemned by Pakistan, which warned the neighboring country of “serious consequences”.

As a result of Iran’s unprovoked and blatant breach of sovereignty last night, international law is violated as well as UN Charter principles and purposes. There is no justification for this illegal act,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Despite the Pakistani Ministry’s statement, the responsibility for the consequences of this “illegal act” will rest squarely with Iran.

We have informed the Iranian Government. The current Iranian ambassador to may not return for a while as Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from Iran. A spokesperson and Iran said all high-level visits would be suspended in the next few days.

A terrorist group blacklisted by Iran, Jaish al-Adl, was formed in 2012 and has carried out several attacks on Iranian soil.

Islamabad retaliated against Iran’s attack on territory amid the Hamas-Israel conflict and rising attacks on Red Sea vessels.

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