Pakistan has executed a series of “highly coordinated” military strikes against Iran, just over 24 hours after Iranian air strikes in Balochistan, escalating tensions and sparking concerns of a wider conflict.
On Thursday morning, Pakistan conducted what it termed an “intelligence-based operation” against hideouts of armed groups in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, following Iranian air strikes near Panjgur city in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar” (Death to Saramchar), the operation resulted in the death of several terrorists, according to Pakistan, although the exact number remains unspecified.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it has consistently shared concerns about safe havens for Pakistani origin terrorists, known as ‘Sarmachars,’ within Iran. Multiple dossiers with concrete evidence were provided to Iran, highlighting the presence and activities of these terrorists. The lack of action by Iran on these concerns led to Pakistan’s recent military response.
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Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar
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The Iranian air strikes targeted Jaish al-Adl, an armed group near Panjgur city, and were prompted by the group’s alleged attacks on the Iranian city of Rask. Pakistan condemned the Iranian strike as “unacceptable” and reserved the right to respond to this “illegal act,” which resulted in casualties, including two children.
In its statement, Pakistan emphasized that it fully respects Iran’s sovereignty but had to act in response to credible intelligence indicating impending large-scale terrorist activities by the targeted groups. The Iranian government has not officially acknowledged the Pakistani military strikes at this time.
As a response to the Iranian attack, Pakistan had recalled its envoy from Tehran and indicated its intention to prevent Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad from returning. The situation has raised tensions between the neighboring countries, and international observers are closely monitoring developments in the region.
What is Operation Sar Bar Sarmachar?
Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar, translated as ‘Death to Insurgents,’ refers to a retaliatory strike executed by Pakistan through the Pakistan Air Force. This operation targeted seven locations associated with the Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front militant groups in the Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran.
The military action occurred in the early hours of January 18, 2024, as a response to a prior missile strike carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the border region of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The Iranian strike had targeted the Jaish ul-Adl militant group and resulted in the unfortunate deaths of two children.