Pakistan Fears Iran Attack After Missiles Hit Türkiye, Hastily Launches Operation

Lahore: In the US-Israeli war against Iran, Iranian missiles are also targeting Turkey. On Monday, Iran fired a ballistic missile into Turkish airspace, which was intercepted by NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Iranian threats to Turkey have now heightened the concerns of its close ally, Pakistan. Pakistan has launched Operation Muhafizul Bahr to protect its shipping and maritime trade.

What is the objective of Operation Muhafizul Bahr?

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement that the Pakistan Navy launched this operation to address threats affecting national shipping and maritime trade. The statement said that this decision was taken in light of the evolving maritime security situation in the region and threats to vital sea lanes.

According to the ISPR, Pakistan launched this initiative to prevent any disruption to the country's energy supply and to safeguard maritime communication routes. The statement said that the Pakistan Navy is fully aware of the current maritime situation and is closely monitoring the movement of merchant ships to ensure their safe passage.

Pakistan's concern grows amid attack on Turkey. The Turkish Ministry of Defense reported an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Monday. In a statement shared on Twitter, the ministry said that some debris from the missile fell in an empty area of ​​the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep. However, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

The ministry said that Turkey attaches great importance to good relations with its neighbors and regional stability. It also warned that "all necessary measures will be taken without hesitation" against any threat targeting the country's territory and airspace.

The ministry issued an indirect threat to Iran, saying that heeding Turkey's warning would be in the interest of all parties concerned.

Has Azerbaijan supported Turkey?

Azerbaijan, a close friend of Turkey, has expressed full support following the missile incident. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry stated that Azerbaijan stands firmly with Turkey in this matter. Last Wednesday, the Turkish Defense Ministry also reported that a ballistic missile fired from Iran toward Turkey was intercepted by NATO defense units in the eastern Mediterranean.