Pakistan retaliates, attacks Baluch separatist camps in Iran

Islamabad, Jan 18: Retaliating against Iranian strikes in Pakistan, the country has launched airstrikes in the neighbouring Iran against terrorist hideouts in the Siestan-O-Baluchistan province of Iran.

According to the local reports, Pakistan Air Force has conducted airstrikes on Baluch separatist camps inside Iran, allegedly killing four children and three women. In its first response, Pakistan has confirmed that it carried out “military strikes against terrorist hideouts" in Iran.

In a statement, Pakistan said it “undertook a series of military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-O-Baluchistan province of Iran." Pakistan also said that it fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran while confirming that a number of terrorists have been killed in the intelligence-based operation codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar".

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It said, “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."

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“This morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale 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."

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There has been no immediate acknowledgment of the strikes from the Iranian authorities.

The airstrikes by Pakistani Army came a day after Iran claimed that it targeted Jaish al-Adl terrorist headquarter in Balochistan, that allegedly claimed lives of two children and wounded two others.