New Delhi: India killed over 300 terrorists in air strikes by 12 Dassault-made Mirage 2000 fighter jets in a matter of 21 minutes. This was an IAF operation not just across the LoC, but inside Pakistan territory.
The strikes come in the wake of India’s efforts to avenge the massacre of more than 40 CRPF personnel when a JeM terrorist attacked their convoy on February 14 in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
Striking at the terror hideouts and training camps was part of India’s efforts to bring the planners and perpetrators of the Pulwama attack to justice.
MyNation brings to you India’s diplomatic manoeuvres post-strike as well as what India disclosed about the hit back.
- Diplomats from the US, the UK, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey and six ASEAN nations were briefed by foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale.
- Chinese diplomats were briefed by Gokhale on the airstrike in Balakot.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefed both President and Vice-President about the strike on JeM terror camp in Balakot.
- This was an intelligence-based counter terror strike and not a military action for the sake of war. India demolished the entire terror network of the suicide bombing training centre in Balakot. Over 300 terrorists were eliminated in the operation.
- According to sources, the ammunition dump at the centre was destroyed in the aerial strike in Balakot too. The dump, reports said, had more than 200 AK series automatic assault rifles, thousands of rounds, hand grenades, other explosives and detonators.
- National security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is reviewing the security situation on the borders along with Army chief Bipin Rawat and IAF chief BS Dhanoa. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has called an all-party meeting at 5 PM today.
- Foreign secretary Gokhale said, “This facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM chief Masood Azhar. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualty. It's located in deep forest on a hilltop.”
- Gokhale said further, “India is firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism. This non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties.”
- Gokhale added: “Credible information was received that JeM was attempting other attacks in the country. A pre-emptive strike became important. India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot.”
- Gokhale said further: “Credible intelligence was received that Jaish-e-Mohammed was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country & fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose.”
- The IAF has put all air defence systems along the international border and LoC on high alert to respond to any possible reaction by Pakistan.
Pakistan ruffled
Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, “This was grave aggression by India against Pakistan. This is a violation of LoC and Pakistan has the right to retaliate and self defence.”
Radio Pakistan broadcast: “Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has summoned an emergency meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting will discuss the security situation”.
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