Pakistan Strikes Iran in Retaliation for Jaish al-Adl Attack, Tensions Soar

In an escalation of tensions, Pakistan carried out strikes against what it deemed “terrorist hideouts” in Iran on Thursday. The operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” targeted the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province, said media reports.

Pakistan stated that the action was in retaliation for Iran’s attack on the Balochi group Jaish al-Adl’s headquarters within Pakistani territory. The strikes were described as “highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes.” While Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reported the operation resulted in the death of “a number of terrorists,” Iranian media claimed seven casualties, including four children.

Pakistan emphasized that the strikes were in pursuit of its national security and interests, expressing its “unflinching resolve” to defend against threats. The action followed Pakistan’s longstanding concerns about safe havens for terrorists on its border with Iran, particularly those associated with the self-styled ‘Sarmachars.’ Pakistan stated it had shared multiple dossiers with evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists.

The tensions escalated earlier when Iran targeted Jaish al-Adl bases in Pakistan, prompting Pakistan to condemn the violation of its airspace and warn of “serious consequences.” In response, Pakistan decided to recall its ambassador from Iran, suspend high-level visits, and hold Iran responsible for any consequences resulting from the situation.

This development occurs amid regional complexities, including the Hamas-Israel conflict in the Middle East and heightened maritime security concerns in the Red Sea.