The Indian Air Force has carried out surprise air strikes in the wee hours of 26 February. India stuck militant camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Twelve Mirage 2000 jets struck Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terror launch pads at around 3:30 am early on Tuesday. The air strikes successfully shattered the terrorist camps in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Muzaffarabad, Chakothi.
The foreign secretary Mr. Vijay Gokhaleat a press meeting in Delhi said that the information regarding the location of training camps in Pakistan and PoJK has been provided to Pakistan from time to time. Pakistan, however, denies their existence. The existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities.
India dropped down around 1000 kg bombs on Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terror camps across the Line of Control (LOC). Confirming the attack, Pakistan army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted by saying, “Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot,”
Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 26, 2019
ANI had also mentioned about this news saying that at 03:00 hours on 26th February, a group of Mirage 2000 Indian fighter jets stuck a major camp across the LoC and destroyed it completely. This operation saw the elimination of a large number of JEM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and group of jihadis who had been trained for fidayeen action. Overall, the foreign ministry said that the air strike had been successful
A non-military preemptive action was zeroed in at the JeM camp as part of the Government of India to fight the spread of terrorism.This was also done to reduced the number of civilian casualties. In the aftermath of the air strike, Indian Air Force geared up for high surveillance. The air defence systems along the international border and LoC instructed to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.
Reuters have reported saying that a government source has said that the air strike by Indian Air Force on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot killed 300 terrorists. These strikes have further escalated the growing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The foreign secretary Mr Gokhale also said that Pakistan had made a solemn commitment in January 2004 in disallowing its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. He also added that he expect Pakistan to live up to its public commitment and take follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.
