Pakistan strikes against 'terrorist' hideouts in Iran

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan carried out a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against "terrorist" hideouts in the Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran on Thursday morning, said Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said in a statement that several "terrorists" were killed during the intelligence-based operation which was named "death to separatists".

"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 on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran," said the ministry, adding that there was no action on Pakistan's serious concerns.

"This action is a manifestation of Pakistan's unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats and Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people," added the ministry.

"Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states," the ministry said, adding that in the exercise of the country's legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan would never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances.

Terming Iran as a brotherly country, the ministry said Pakistan always emphasized dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and would continue to endeavor to find joint solutions.

Earlier the day, Pakistani security forces have struck "terrorist centers" in Iran with precision, a security official told Xinhua.

Sources from Pakistan's armed forces said that all targets were hit precisely.

"We hit the confirmed terrorists. In our view all terrorists are our targets irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, or sect," added the security official.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said late Wednesday that his country pays great attention to neighboring Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity during phone talks with his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani.

The two sides discussed Iran's "anti-terrorist" operations on Tuesday against the Jaish al-Zulm group in Pakistan, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.

Pakistan on Wednesday accused Iran of violating Pakistan's airspace, killing two Pakistani children, after the Iranian operations, and recalled its ambassador from Iran.