Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar: Pakistan's Air Strikes On Iran And Its 'Sole Objective'

Air strikes against militant targets in Iran were confirmed by Pakistan, following recent attacks by Tehran on Pakistani territory. According to Iranian media, four children and three women were killed in the strikes.

The precision strikes were aimed at terrorist hideouts in Iran's Sistan-o-Baluchistan province, as stated by Pakistan's foreign ministry.

The operation, codenamed 'Marg Bar Sarmachar,' resulted in the killing of several terrorists, according to Pakistan's official statement.

Pakistan's statement on the retaliatory strikes in Iran

What we know about Pakistan's Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar:

• A series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran were undertaken by Pakistan this morning.
• The Intelligence-based operation was codenamed 'Marg Bar Sarmachar,' resulting in the killing of several terrorists.
• Over several years, Pakistan consistently shared serious concerns about safe havens and sanctuaries for Pakistani-origin terrorists, known as Sarmachars, in ungoverned spaces inside Iran during engagements with the country.
• Multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists were shared with Iran.
• Lack of action on Pakistan's concerns allowed these Sarmachars to continue harming innocent Pakistanis with impunity.
• The action was taken in response to credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by the Sarmachars.
• The operation reflects Pakistan's unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
• The successful execution of the highly complex operation testifies to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
• Pakistan will continue taking all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people, prioritizing its national interest.
• The sole objective of the act was in pursuit of Pakistan's security and national interest, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran.
• As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity are not challenged.
• Despite the act being in pursuit of Pakistan's security, it fully respects Iran's sovereignty, considering it a brotherly country, and emphasizes dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges, including terrorism.

Pakistan's air strikes were in response to strikes against "terrorist targets" in Pakistan by Iran late Tuesday-an attack that was acknowledged by Islamabad, reporting the death of two children. The missile and drone attack by Iran targeted the Jaish al-Adl group in Pakistan, according to Iranian authorities.

Operating along Iran's porous border with Pakistan, Jaish al-Adl has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US and has launched multiple attacks on Iranian security forces. The group's most recent attack was a December assault on a police station that resulted in the death of 11 people.