Pakistan Conducts Retaliatory Strikes on Alleged Militant Targets in Iran, Resulting in 7 Casualties

Following the attack on the Balochi group Jaish al-Adl's headquarters in Pakistani territory, Pakistan retaliated with strikes on what it claimed were "terrorist hideouts" in Iran. The operation, named "Marg Bar Sarmachar," resulted in the reported deaths of "a number of terrorists," as stated by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry. However, Iranian media reported seven casualties, including four children.

The retaliatory strikes occurred after Iran targeted "terrorist targets" in Pakistan, an action that Pakistan attributed to the death of two children. In an official statement, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry described the strikes as highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military actions against terrorist hideouts in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran.

Despite the tension, Pakistan emphasized its regard for Iran as a "brotherly country" and framed its actions as a manifestation of its commitment to protecting national security. The statement highlighted Pakistan's consistent expression of concerns to Iran about safe havens for Pakistani-origin terrorists, known as 'Sarmachars,' within Iranian ungoverned spaces.

Pakistan shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists but claimed a lack of action from Iran, leading to the decision to undertake the recent military strikes based on credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these groups.

The situation escalated when Iran targeted two bases of Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's Balochistan province earlier, prompting Pakistan to condemn the violation of its airspace and warn of "serious consequences." The incident strained diplomatic relations, with Pakistan recalling its ambassador from Iran and suspending high-level visits between the two countries.

The developments occurred against the backdrop of the Hamas-Israel conflict in the Middle East and a rise in attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The situation remains tense as both nations navigate the aftermath of these military actions.

Must Read: Israeli Strikes Claim 6 Lives in Gaza, Including Key Hamas Figure