Struck terrorist hideouts in Iran, number of operatives killed: Pakistan

A day after Iran struck what it called bases of militant outfit 'Jaish-al-Adl' in Pakistan, Islamabad carried out retaliatory attack on Iranian soil.

In a statement, Pakistan said that it conducted Operation ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar' under which it struck terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. Pakistan claimed that a number of terrorists were killed in the operation.

Pakistan had warned of serious consequences after two children were killed in Iranian missile and drone strikes.

"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," said Pakistan.

"However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity," it added.

Islamabad further said that it fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the sole objective of today's act was in pursuit of "Pakistan's own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised".

"Iran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. We have always emphasized dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endevaour to find joint solutions," it added.