• Source:JND
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As many as seven persons, including four children and three women, were killed after Pakistan on Thursday morning conducted retaliatory strikes in Iran. A deputy governor of Sistan and Baluchistan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, gave the casualty figures in a telephone interview with Iranian state television, AP reported.

Pakistan hit ‘terrorist hideouts’ in Iran’s Siestan-o-Baluchistan province in what it called an intelligence-based operation. Many terrorists were killed in the strikes launched during the operation codenamed Marg Bar Sarmachar, according to the press release laid out by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on their official website. These were the retaliatory strikes after Iran launched a missile and drone attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan on Tuesday.

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Pakistan has reported hit areas belonging to two Baloch separatist groups -- the Balochistan Liberation Front and the Balochistan Liberation Army. Pakistan alleged Pakistani-origin terrorists ‘Sarmachars’ were breeding in Iran and they did not face any action even as the former shared multiple pieces of evidence. 

“However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending largescale terrorist activities by these so called Sarmachars. This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred,”  the statement read. 

 

Iran on Tuesday showered missiles and drones in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, calling it "another decisive step taken by them in response to the aggression against the security of our country".

The attacks drew massive ire and criticism from Pakistan. Pakistan's foreign ministry said that the strike inside its territory was an ‘illegal and unacceptable act’, adding that they reserve the right to respond. 

“The Foreign Minister firmly underscored that the attack conducted by Iran inside Pakistani territory, on 16 January 2024, was not only a serious breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty but was also an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran,” the press release by Pakistan in this regard read. 

“The incident has caused serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan reserved the right to respond to this provocative act,” it added.  

Pakistan also recalled its ambassador from Iran and stopped Tehran's envoy from returning to Islamabad.

However, Iran justified attacks saying its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard targeted bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl which seeks an independent Balochistan and has spread across Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.

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China expressed concern over the unrest that erupted after the attack. “We urge the two sides to exercise restraint, avoid any actions that escalate the tensions, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region."