In a recent escalation of tensions between neighboring countries, Pakistan and Iran have engaged in a series of military strikes against each other’s territories. These actions have led to civilian casualties and a diplomatic standoff, raising concerns about regional stability.
What we know so far
Pakistan conducts retaliatory strikes on Iran
Pakistan has carried out a series of “highly coordinated” military strikes in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran.The Pakistani foreign ministry said that the strikes targeted “terrorist hideouts” and resulted in the death of a number of terrorists.
Pakistan’s announcement revealed that the operation, named “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists through an intelligence-led mission.
“Over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan 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. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists,” the statement declared on Thursday morning.
It continued, “However, due to the inaction regarding our grave concerns, these so-called Sarmachars have relentlessly targeted innocent Pakistanis without facing any consequences. The operation this morning was initiated based on solid intelligence about imminent large-scale terrorist attacks planned by these so-called Sarmachars.
“This operation reflects Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its national security against all forms of threats. The successful completion of this intricate operation also stands as a testament to the skill and professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed, “Pakistan will persist in undertaking all essential measures to ensure the protection and security of its citizens, which is paramount, inviolable, and sacred.”
“Our forces have conducted strikes to target Baloch militants inside Iran,” the intelligence official in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, said.
“The targeted militants belong to BLF,” an intelligence official in Islamabad said. The Balochistan Liberation Front(BLF) seeks independence for Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
7 killed in Pakistan strikes
Iranian state media reported that the strikes led to the death of three women and four children, all non-Iranian nationals, and injured several others.
Initial strikes by Iran
Iran conducted airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, targeting what it claimed were bases for a militant Sunni separatist group. The strikes, which took place in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, reportedly killed two children and were described by Islamabad as a “blatant violation” of its airspace.
Diplomatic fallout
Following the incidents, Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Tehran, and Iran was asked not to return its ambassador who was visiting Tehran. Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned the Iranian strikes as an “unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty.”
Regional and international reactions
India: In a measured response to Iran’s lethal missile attack on terrorist strongholds in Pakistan, India expressed understanding on Wednesday for actions nations undertake in their own defense. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the issue is a bilateral one between Iran and Pakistan, while maintaining India’s steadfast stance of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.
“This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. “As for India, our stance is unwavering with a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We recognize the measures nations adopt for their self-defense,” Jaiswal remarked.
United States: Condemned the Iranian strikes in Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria, stating that Iran had violated the “sovereign borders of three of its neighbors in just the past couple of days.”
China: As a close partner of both Iran and Pakistan, urged restraint and called for both nations to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
What is BLF
The Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) is a militant organization striving for an independent Baloch state in Pakistan. Established in 1964 by Juma Khan Marri in Damascus, Syria, the BLF has engaged in insurgencies against Iran and Pakistan.
Pakistan labels the BLF as a terrorist organization and has conducted multiple military operations against it. Despite internal divisions and competition with other Baloch militant groups, the BLF, with its Marxist-Leninist and Baloch nationalist ideology, claims to represent the Baloch people’s aspirations.
The BLF is one of the oldest and most active Baloch separatist groups, and it remains committed to its goal of creating an independent Baloch state.
What we know so far
Pakistan conducts retaliatory strikes on Iran
Pakistan has carried out a series of “highly coordinated” military strikes in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran.The Pakistani foreign ministry said that the strikes targeted “terrorist hideouts” and resulted in the death of a number of terrorists.
Pakistan’s announcement revealed that the operation, named “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists through an intelligence-led mission.
“Over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan 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. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists,” the statement declared on Thursday morning.
It continued, “However, due to the inaction regarding our grave concerns, these so-called Sarmachars have relentlessly targeted innocent Pakistanis without facing any consequences. The operation this morning was initiated based on solid intelligence about imminent large-scale terrorist attacks planned by these so-called Sarmachars.
“This operation reflects Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its national security against all forms of threats. The successful completion of this intricate operation also stands as a testament to the skill and professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed, “Pakistan will persist in undertaking all essential measures to ensure the protection and security of its citizens, which is paramount, inviolable, and sacred.”
“Our forces have conducted strikes to target Baloch militants inside Iran,” the intelligence official in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, said.
“The targeted militants belong to BLF,” an intelligence official in Islamabad said. The Balochistan Liberation Front(BLF) seeks independence for Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
7 killed in Pakistan strikes
Iranian state media reported that the strikes led to the death of three women and four children, all non-Iranian nationals, and injured several others.
Initial strikes by Iran
Iran conducted airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, targeting what it claimed were bases for a militant Sunni separatist group. The strikes, which took place in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, reportedly killed two children and were described by Islamabad as a “blatant violation” of its airspace.
Diplomatic fallout
Following the incidents, Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Tehran, and Iran was asked not to return its ambassador who was visiting Tehran. Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned the Iranian strikes as an “unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty.”
Regional and international reactions
India: In a measured response to Iran’s lethal missile attack on terrorist strongholds in Pakistan, India expressed understanding on Wednesday for actions nations undertake in their own defense. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the issue is a bilateral one between Iran and Pakistan, while maintaining India’s steadfast stance of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.
“This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. “As for India, our stance is unwavering with a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We recognize the measures nations adopt for their self-defense,” Jaiswal remarked.
United States: Condemned the Iranian strikes in Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria, stating that Iran had violated the “sovereign borders of three of its neighbors in just the past couple of days.”
China: As a close partner of both Iran and Pakistan, urged restraint and called for both nations to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
What is BLF
The Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) is a militant organization striving for an independent Baloch state in Pakistan. Established in 1964 by Juma Khan Marri in Damascus, Syria, the BLF has engaged in insurgencies against Iran and Pakistan.
Pakistan labels the BLF as a terrorist organization and has conducted multiple military operations against it. Despite internal divisions and competition with other Baloch militant groups, the BLF, with its Marxist-Leninist and Baloch nationalist ideology, claims to represent the Baloch people’s aspirations.
The BLF is one of the oldest and most active Baloch separatist groups, and it remains committed to its goal of creating an independent Baloch state.