The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has once again become a focal point of global attention as Pakistan undertakes a significant military operation, Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar, against terrorist hideouts inside Iran. The decision to initiate this operation is underlined by a historical context of strained relations and cross-border terrorism originating from Iranian soil.
Iran’s Role in Divisions within the Muslim World:
For years, Iran has been a factor contributing to divisions within the Muslim world. Its actions and policies have led to tensions and strained relationships with various regional players, and it appears that the recent events may exacerbate these divides. It is crucial to note that maintaining harmony among Muslim nations is essential for collective progress and prosperity.
Pakistan’s Strategic Response:
The decision to conduct precise strikes against terrorist hideouts inside Iran underscores Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and maintaining regional stability. The operation, code-named ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’ (Death to Fidayeen), targeted hideouts being used by terrorist organizations, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan.
Choosing the Persian word “Marg Bar Sarmachar” is significant, reflecting the seriousness of Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism. This phrase, once the war cry of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, is now employed by Pakistan to convey its unyielding stance against those who pose a threat to its security.
Pakistan’s Airstrikes Inside Iran:
In the early hours of January 18, 2024, Pakistan’s armed forces executed precise strikes using various advanced military technologies. Utilizing killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons, the operation aimed at minimizing collateral damage while eliminating the menace of cross-border terrorism.
As per Pakistani sources, seven locations in Eastern Iran were reportedly targeted last night by the Pakistani Armed Forces. Reports from the Pakistani Armed Forces indicate that the Air Force carried out multiple airstrikes on a Baloch Militant Group in Eastern Iran near the City of Saravan, approximately 20 miles inside the Sistan and Baluchestan Province from the border with Pakistan. Currently, smoke envelops the city, with a significant fire reported near a militant compound.
The targeted hideouts were harboring notorious terrorists, including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham, and Wazir alias Wazi. These individuals have been implicated in orchestrating attacks against innocent civilians and Pakistani troops.
Iran’s Prior Knowledge:
It is noteworthy that the Government of Iran had been informed about the terrorist activities originating from its soil. Despite this, the lack of cooperation for joint investigation and action left Pakistan with no choice but to take preemptive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.
The GIDS B-REK (Boosted Range Extension Kit), a rocket-boosted glide bomb precision-guided weapon with a range of 170 kilometers, played a crucial role in the airstrikes. The operation was executed within Pakistani airspace to neutralize high-value targets over 80 kilometers inside Iranian territory, ensuring the safety of Iranian civilians and military personnel.
As Pakistan responds to the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism, Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar signals the nation’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining regional stability. The use of force underscores the severity of the threat posed by terrorist organizations operating from Iranian soil. The international community will keenly observe the repercussions and responses to this strategic move, as the intricate web of geopolitical dynamics continues to unfold.
Catalog of Ts (terrorists) neutralized during Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar.
No one dares to provoke Pakistan; the Pakistan Army will not tolerate any challenge to the nation’s sovereignty:
The main set of aircraft employed by #Pakistan in today’s airstrikes against #Iran (Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar) included JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from the No. 2 ‘Minhasians’ Multirole Squadron, stationed at the PAF Base Masroor in Karachi, part of the 39th Tactical Wing of the Southern Air Command PAF.
The main Precision Guided Munition (PGM) employed by Pakistan in today’s airstrikes against Iran during Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar was the GIDS B-REK (Boosted Range Extension Kit). This is a rocket-boosted glide bomb precision guided weapon with an effective range of 170 kilometers.