STORY: Pakistan strikes against "terrorist" hideouts in Iran
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 18, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:00
LOCATION: Islamabad
CATEGORY: MILITARY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and traffic
2. SOUNDBITE (English): MUMTAZ ZAHRA BALOCH, Spokesperson of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3. STANDUP (English): DENG KAIYIN, Xinhua correspondent

STORYLINE:

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.

SOUNDBITE (English): MUMTAZ ZAHRA BALOCH, Spokesperson of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
"Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran. A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation."

STANDUP (English): DENG KAIYIN, Xinhua correspondent
"Behind me is 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.' The ministry added that 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."
   
"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.
   
"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.
  
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.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Islamabad.
(XHTV)