Islamabad, January 18, 2024, The Europe Today: In a decisive response to Tehran’s recent violation of its airspace, Pakistan executed early morning air strikes on terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-o-Balochistan province on Thursday. The unprecedented military action was confirmed by the Foreign Office (FO) in a statement released shortly after.
“This morning Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. A number of terrorists were killed during the Intelligence-based operation – codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’,” read the FO statement.
The retaliatory measures come a day after Pakistan swiftly recalled its ambassador from Iran and expelled Tehran’s envoy. The escalation followed Iranian missile strikes, which Islamabad deemed a violation, prompting extensive consultations to determine the appropriate response.
This marks the first instance of Pakistan recalling its envoy from Iran, underscoring the heightened tensions between the two neighboring nations. Troubled relations in the past have now reached a critical juncture.
The recent downturn in ties originated from Iran’s missile and drone strikes inside Pakistan on Tuesday. Iran asserted that the strikes targeted two bases of Jaish-al Adl, a terrorist group reportedly operating from Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province.
As both nations navigate this delicate situation, the air strikes by Pakistan signal a robust response to protect its sovereignty and address the security concerns arising from the recent cross-border incidents. The region remains on alert as developments unfold amid the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran.
