16:08 Six bombs dropped in Batalkot : ANI quoting government sources reports a total of six bombs were dropped on Pakistan based terrorist camps by the Indian Air Force Mirage 2000s.
16:04 China calls for ‘restraint’ after India’s air strikes on terror targets in Pak : China on Tuesday urged India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and asked New Delhi to carry out its fight against terrorism through international cooperation, hours after Indian fighter jets struck Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest camp in Pakistan in a pre-dawn attack.
When asked for China’s response to India’s air strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media that “we have taken note of the relevant reports. I want to say that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia. A sound relationship and cooperation between the two serves the interests of both the countries and peace and stability in South Asia,” he said.
“We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and do more to improve their bilateral relations,” he said.
India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest training camp in Pakistan early Tuesday, killing a “very large number” of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, officials said in New Delhi.
On India’s assertion that it was a “non-military pre-emptive strikes” directed against training camps of the terrorist groups who are carrying out violent acts in India, Lu said, “as for India’s claim on taking action against terrorism, well fighting terrorism is a global practice’. “It needs necessary international cooperation. India needs to create favourable condition internationally for the same,” he said.
To another question, he said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Muhammad Qureshi has spoken to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. “During the phone call, Wang listened carefully to Pakistan foreign minister’s notification and proposals on the issues and reaffirmed his opinion that the two sides need to advance their cooperation in the counter terrorism for peace and stability in the region,” the spokesman said.
Lu’s comments came ahead of Russia, India and China (RIC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting at the Chinese city of Wuzhen on Wednesday in which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is due to take part. The Pulwama terror attack and India’s air strikes on the terrorists training camps were expected to figure in the her talks with Wang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Levrov. — PTI
15:55 India behaved responsibly: Head of foreign missions : The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (represents foreign missions in India) Ambassador Hans Castellano on the air strike briefing by the MEA: “We want to congratulate MEA for quickly briefing us. Message was a direct one… It was a non-military preemptive strike. India wanted to target terrorists, not civilians. India behaved responsibly.”
15:44 Be prepared for all eventualities: Imran tells Pak, Army :
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan asks armed forces and the people of Pakistan to remain “prepared for all eventualities”.
On Imran Khan Official, the PM’s Facebook page, the party posted, “A special meeting of the National Security Committee chaired by the Prime Minister was held at Prime Ministers office today. The meeting was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, COAS, CNS, CAS and other civil & military officials.
“Forum strongly rejected Indian claim of targeting an alleged terrorist camp near Balakot and the claim of heavy casualties. Once again Indian government has resorted to a self serving, reckless and fictitious claim. This action has been done for domestic consumption being in election environment, putting regional peace and stability at grave risk.
“The claimed area of strike is open for the world to see the facts on ground. For this domestic and international media is being taken to the impact site
“Forum concluded that India has committed uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing.
“To take the nation on board, the government has decided to requisition joint session of the Parliament. PM has summoned special meeting of NCA on 27 Feb 2019.
“PM has directed that elements of national power including the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan to remain prepared for all eventualities. He decided to engage with global leadership to expose irresponsible Indian policy in the region.
“PM appreciated timely and effective response of PAF to repulse Indian attempt without any loss of life or property.
Pakistani government statement advises all Pakistanis to “remain prepared for all eventualities”.”
15:38 Parties hail IAF strike : Various political parties Tuesday hailed India’s preemptive strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed’s terror camps in Pakistan, with the BJP asserting the country is safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive leadership and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi lauding the Indian Air Force for its action.
Opposition leaders hailed the IAF for its valour. Lauding the pilots of the Indian Air Force Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “I salute the pilots of the IAF.” The Congress also tweeted hailing the role of the Indian Air Force in keeping Indians safe with its consistent and determined effort.
Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav said, “Every Indian who had the pain and anguish of the martyrdom of our forces is greatly relieved and delighted this morning. Salute to the Air Force for a meticulous operation. Our forces are world class anyway. It is the political will of our PM and team that made all the difference.”
BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javdekar told reporters that people of India stood solidly behind their armed forces. “People have faith in Modi’s leadership,” he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “IAF also means India’s Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind.”
Lauding the Indian Air Force, Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati said had the Modi government given a free hand to the armed forces earlier, incidents like the ones in Pulwama, Pathankot and Uri would have been avoided. “Salute and respect for the bravehearts of the Indian Air Force for their bold action against Jaish terrorists,” she said. “The Prime Minister has now given a free hand to the army to take revenge for the martyrdom of soldiers in Pulwama. If this decision was taken earlier by the Modi government, the most sad and worrisome incidents like Pathankot, Uri and Pulwama would not have happened and neither would so many jawans have been martyred,” she said in Hindi on Twitter.
Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Indian Air Force has done a great job. “The IAF strikes have sent the much needed signal to Pakistan and the terrorists it’s harbouring – don’t think you can get away with acts like the Pulwama attack. Bravo to the IAF men and my full support for the action,” he said.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan.”
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the strike signifies a “totally new ball game” as it was first time that air power was used during peace time to hit terrorist targets in the neighbouring country. “We’ve entered a whole new paradigm with the Balakote air strike. The post Uri strike was to avenge our losses, Balakote was a ‘preemptive strike to prevent an imminent JeM attack’. Totally new ballgame,” Abdullah tweeted.
Reacting to the developments, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti hoped that “objectives” of both New Delhi and Islamabad had been served. “Post pre-dawn strikes carried out by IAF, conflicting reports coming in. Official communique by FS claims that terror training camps were bombed while Pak denied this and said that the planes made a hasty retreat after being spotted. Hope objective of both sides has been served,” she tweeted.
Punjab minister and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu tweeted, “In the war of right and wrong, you cannot afford to be neutral, The war against terror outfits is spot on…Bravo Indian Air Force @IAF_MCC. Jai Hind.”
Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal saluted the Indian Air Force fighter pilots for carrying out the “brave and effective air strikes deep inside Pakistan”.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot also congratulated the Indian Air Force. “I salute your (IAF) bravery. The nation is proud of you. Jai Hind.” Gehlot tweeted. PTI
14:48 Flag march : Flags of USA, UK and Israel painted on stairs at the Jaish-e-Mohammed facility destroyed by Indian Air Force jets in Balakot.
14:47 The exterior wall guarding the terror camp in Balakot. Pic: ANI
14:45 300 terrorists killed, 200 AK rifles, ammo destroyed in strike: Intel: First pictures of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot.
News agency ANI quoting intel sources tweets this picture of the JeM facility destroyed by Indian Ar Force strikes in Balakot, Pakistan. ANI reported that an ammunition dump was blown up in Balakot by the IAF Mirages had more than 200 AK rifles, uncountable rounds of hand grenades, explosives and detonators.
Intel sources said the strike was an intelligence based counter terror strike and not a military action for the sake of war. The entire suicide bombing training centre and terror set up in Balakot was demolished and over 300 terrorists were eliminated in the covert operation by the Indian Air Force. The intel sources also said flags of US, UK, Israel were painted on the stairs inside the centre.
India struck Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest camp in Pakistan early Tuesday in a major “preemptive” action killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in this country, a top official said. Giving details of the “intelligence led operation” at a news conference in New Delhi.
Image: The gates of the terror training camp in Balakot. Pic: ANI
14:21 Revenge not over till JeM chief Masood struck down: Raut: Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday congratulated the Indian Air Force for strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan but said the revenge for the Pulwama attack will not be complete till Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar is “struck down”.
India struck Jaish-e-Mohammed’s(JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan early Tuesday in a major “preemptive” action killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in this country.
In a tweet, Raut lauded the “bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan.”
“However, until the satan JeM chief Masood Azhar is struck down, our revenge won’t be complete,” said the Rajya Sabha member, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra.
Raut also re-tweeted a statement of National Conference leader Omar Abdullah in which the latter said, “If this is Balakote in KPK its a major incursion & a significant strike by IAF planes. However if its Balakote in Poonch sector, along the LoC its a largely symbolic strike because at this time of the year forward launch pads & militant camps are empty & non-functional.” — PTI
14:07 FS Vijay Gokhale briefs foreign diplomats: Foreign diplomats from the USA, UK, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey and six Asean nations being briefed by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Indian air strike across LOC in Balakot.
14:03 Yusuf Azhar bombed in Balakot air strike was Kandahar hijacker:
Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Tuesday confirmed that India had “struck the biggest training camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakot”, in the early hours of Tuesday.
He said the strike took place on a hilltop in a forest location far from civilian areas and that the JeM camp was run by Yusuf Azhar, who is believed to be the brother-in-law of Masood Azhar, the leader of JeM.
The Hindu reports that Yusuf Azhar alias Mohammad Salim was one of the men who hijacked the Indian Airline flight IC 814 to Kandahar in 1999. The JeM chief, Masood Azhar, was then released by India in exchange for the IC- 814 hijacked passengers.
In 2002, the government handed over a list of 20 fugitives to Islamabad which featured Yusuf Azhar’s name. In 2000, the Interpol on the basis of a request by the Central of Investigation opened a red corner notice against the hijacker.
The notice (see picture alongside) says that his place of birth was in Karachi, Pakistan, and he was fluent in “Urdu and Hindi.” He is wanted in India for “hijacking, murder and kidnapping.”
14:03 India safe under Modi’s strong and decisive leadership: Shah:
After the air strike, time for politics.
BJP president Amit Shah Indian says the Air Force’s strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan underscores the will and resolve a new India, asserting it has shown that the country is safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong and decisive leadership.
“I congratulate and salute the bravery and valour of our armed forces. Today’s action further demonstrates that India is safe and secure under the strong and decisive leadership of PM Narendra Modi,” he said.
“Our New India will not spare any acts of terror and their perpetrators and patrons,” Shah added.
India struck Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan early Tuesday in a major “preemptive” action killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pakistan-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in this country. — PTI
13:49 Want pressure on Pakistan be kept up: Brother of slain CRPF jawan : The brother of CRPF jawan Vijay Maurya, who lost his life in the Pulwama terror attack reacts to the air strikes: “We are very happy that this happened, but we want pressure on Pakistan be kept up so that no terror org like JeM dares to attack us again.”
India Tuesday carried out pre-dawn air strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and destroyed terrorist targets. The strike comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group in Kashmir’s Pulwama district that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.
Strikes involving several fighter jets of the IAF successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
13:16 This will be benchmark for deterrence: Lone: People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone Tuesday said the air strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force on terror camps in Pakistan will set a benchmark for deterrence and eventually end the cycle of violence. “Pacifist to the core I am. But the reality as it stares in our faces is that this retaliatory action will actually be the start of the unlearning process for Pakistan. This will set the benchmark for deterrence. And eventually crowd out cycle of violence,” Lone said in a tweet.
He was reacting to the IAF air strikes in Pakistan in the wake of suicide car bombing attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama on 14 February that left 40 jawans dead. — PTI
13:13 NSA Doval reviews border security with Army, Air Force chiefs : News updates at this hour: NSA Ajit Doval along with Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa is reviewing the security situation on the borders after Indian Air Force strikes at JeM terror camp in Balakot across LoC.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has called an all-party meeting at 5pm today.
13:11 Pakistan has the right to self defence: Pak FS :
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in a hurriedly summoned security meeting after Indian Air Force’s multiple aerial strikes at terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), said that clouds of danger are hovering over Pakistan and that his country should not be worried over India’s operation. “This was grave aggression by India against Pakistan. This is a violation of LoC and Pakistan has the right to retaliate and self defence,” he said.
“I have already said that I don’t want to mislead the public. Clouds of danger are hovering over us and we will have to remain alert,” Samaa TV quoted Qureshi, as saying.
The Pakistan foreign minister called a high-level emergency meeting on Tuesday for consultation with former foreign secretaries and senior diplomats hours after IAF carried out air strikes across the LoC.
The operation, in which 12 Mirage 2000 jets took part, was carried around 3:30 am, IAF sources told ANI. The jets dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across the LoC, completely destroying them, sources added. Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) control rooms were also destroyed in the strikes.
12:57 Pak drone shot down near Gujarat border: A Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle was on Tuesday shot down near the International Border in Kutch district of Gujarat, police sources said. Debris of the UAV was seen near Nanghatad village in Abdasa taluka of Kutch, they said.
On hearing a loud sound around 6 am, villagers went to the spot and found the debris of the UAV, the sources said. Asked if a Pakistani UAV had been shot down by the Indian armed forces, a police official, on condition of anonymity, said, “Such an incident has happened, we are investigating the matter.”
The official, however, refused to elaborate further. Earlier, government sources said that in a pre-dawn strike, combat jets of Indian Air Force bombed terror camps at multiple locations across the Line of Control on the Pakistani side, 12 days after Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group carried out the dastardly Pulwama attack in Kashmir.
They said the IAF’s Mirage 2000 fighter jets pounded the terror camps in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakoti in the well-planned strike destroying Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the operation. — PTI
12:54 PAF jets were about to shoot down Indian jets: Pak minister: Pakistan Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi tweets on the Indian air strike in Balakot: Firstly, the alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan are nothing but a figment of Modi’s imagination. Secondly, the only thing the IAF dropped were fuel tanks, b/c they had to reduce the weight of their aircrafts & run back to their bases as PAF jets were about to shoot them down.”
12:37 People living near international border, LoC need to be evacuated: Omar: Omar Abdullah has an important point to make: “Now we have an obligation to ensure that our people living near the international border & line of control are not caught in any Pakistani response. Local administrations need to be ready to evacuate & rehouse people to safe areas if situation escalates.
“I’m in touch with my party colleagues in frontier areas to lend all possible help & assistance, both to the administration as well as to any people caught up in any Pakistani misadventure.”
In October 2016, a month after the surgical strike, Indian citizens in Bobiya and adjoining hamlets in Hiranagar sector in Kathua district spent sleepless nights due to the intensified shelling and firing by Pakistani Rangers on October-20 and 21.
Police armed with bullet proof vehicles criss crossed the shell-hit hamlets particularly Bobiya carrying loads of scared villagers. They were ferried to the camps setup by the district administration at government higher secondary school in Hiranagar and another school at Chhan Khatrian.
Image: A house destroyed by Pak bombing in October 2016 in the aftermath of the surgical strikes.
12:28 Indian jets hit Balakot in Imran Khan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: NDTV reports that after the press briefing, when Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, was asked whether the IAF struck the Balakote in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balakote in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Gokhale said it was in fact the Balakote in KP, which is a hotbed of terror activity.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has briefed both the President and Vice-President about the Indian Air Force strike at JeM terror camp in Balakote.
FM Sushma Swaraj to brief the opposition on the non-military preemptive strike in Pakistan’s Balakote today. She leaves for China later in the day.
FS Vijay Gokhale said a large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and group of jehadis were eliminated in the operation. In the face of imminent danger, a preventive strike became “absolutely necessary”, he said, adding that India is firmly committed towards taking all measures to fight terrorism.
NDTV says JeM chief Masood Azhar’s nephew as well as over 300 terrorists were eliminated in the strike.
12:05 Omar says Balakote is in KPK:
Omar Abdullah: So it is Balakote in KPK. “Thats a strike deep inside Pakistan & is hugely embarrassing for them. Regardless of what the other side may claim was or wasnt hit the planes crossed over, dropped their payload & flew back completely unscathed.
After Abbotabad the line they took was we are primed to look East to prevent any Indian attacks and thats how the Americans got through. So where were they looking now?”
11:50 Govt: Several killed in preemptive strike on Jaish camp:
Foreign Secretary Vijay Keshav Gokhale briefs the media in Delhi on the air strike in Pakistan’s Balakote this morning.
“On February 14th, a suicide terror attack led to the martyrdom of our jawans. The Jaish-e-Mohammed is responsible for the series of attacks including the Parliament attack in 2002 and the Pathankot attack.
“Credible intelligence was received that the Jaish-e-Mohammed was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country and fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose.
“In an intelligence lead operation in the early hours today, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. This non-military pre-emptive action was specifically targetted at the biggest JeM camp in Balakot and a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commander and Jihadis were eliminated. The camp was controlled by Maulana Yusuf Azhar, the brother-in-law of Jaish-E-Mohammed head, Masood Azhar.
The camp is located at a hilltop in deep forests far away from civilian settlements. The selection of the target was done to avoid civilian casualties.”
Since the strike has just taken place, the FS said more information is expected.
Image: Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
11:32 Place where the explosives were dropped is known as Jaba Top :
BBC reporter Sameer Hashmi: The BBC’s Pakistan bureau has learnt that the operation by the Indian Air force was carried out in Balakot area of KP in Pakistan. Balakot is a subdivision of Mansehra district. The place where the explosives were dropped is known as Jaba Top.
11:27 NIA conducts raids at separatist leader Yasin Malik’s residence :
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at the residence of JKLF Chief Yasin Malik in Srinagar on Tuesday morning. Adequate security is deployed outside the residence while NIA officials conducted the raid.
Yasin Malik was detained by the police late on Friday night.
Maliks detention comes ahead of a crucial hearing on Article 35A in Supreme Court which is likely to take place in between Feb 26 to Feb 28.
The article, incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1954, grants special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
In the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack which claimed lives of 40 CRPF soldiers on February 14, Jammu and Kashmir government withdrew security cover of several separatists including Malik, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah and Saleem Geelani. — ANI
11:25 Indian aircraft intruded from Muzaffarabad sector: Pak: The Pakistan Government’s twitter handle: “Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzaffarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force, released payload in haste while escaping, which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage: DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor.
Indian aircrafts intrusion across LOC in Muzaffarabad Sector within AJ&K was 3-4 miles. Under forced hasty withdrawal aircrafts released payload which had free fall in open area. No infrastructure got hit, no casualties: DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor.”
Image: The image the Pak govt tweeted showing the extent of damage after the Pak air strike.
11:05 Western Air Command coordinated air strike on Pak :
Updates at this hour:News agency ANI reports that Pakistani F16 jets were scrambled to retaliate against the IAF Mirage 2000s but turned back due to the size of the Indian formation. Western Air Command coordinated the operation. One of the targets destroyed by the IAF Mirage jets was in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area.
Meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security ends. Briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs at 11:30 am.
BJP spokesperson Ram Madhav tweets: Every Indian who had d pain n anguish of d martyrdom of our forces is greatly relieved and delighted this morning. Salute to d Air Force for a meticulous operation. Our forces r world class anyway. It is d political will of our PM n team that made all d difference.
And a word of caution from journalist Sadanand Dhume: “What we know: 1. The Pakistan army regularly lies through its teeth. (Remember Abbottabad.)
2. Much of the Indian media exaggerates wildly. (Remember nutty demonetization.)
3. Social media mobs in both countries view skepticism as a form of treason. #HappyFactChecking #Balakot
10:53 Media briefing at 11:30 am : Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale will hold a press conference at 11:30 am to brief the media on the air strikes.
10:46 This is Modi’s India, will enter your homes, kill you: Union Minister: First confirmations from a union minister, but not from the defence ministry. MoS Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat tweets:
Air Force carried out aerial strike early morning today at terror camps across the LoC and Completely destroyed it.
Ek Ek katra khoon ka hisab hoga. Yeh toh ek shuruat hai. Yeh desh nahin jhukne doonga. This is payback for each drop of blood. This is just the beginning. This country will not bend.
#Balakot
#Surgicalstrike2″
10:27 Which Balakot?:
Journalist Nirupama Subramanian tweets: Wild speculation on social media that IAF crossed into Pakistan to hit Balakote in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. FYI, there is a Bala Kot across from Poonch. In fact it is a divided village on the LoC.
10:17 200-300 terrorists killed: India Today :
Update: India is believed to have carried out air strikes inside Pakistan at 3:30 am Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. India Today, quoting sources say, between 200-300 terrorists have been killed.
In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control in the Muzafarabad sector. “Indian aircraft 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,” Major General Asif Ghafoor, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a tweet.
The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. — PTI
Image: The location of Balakot where terror camps were destroyed.
10:17 Pak summons emergency meeting : Radio Pakistan says Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has summoned an emergency meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting will discuss the security situation.
10:11 Congress President tweets, “I salute the pilots of the IAF”.
10:08 IAF on high alert along LoC, border areas : Indian Air Force has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and LoC to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.
Image: Meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security underway at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
10:03 Cabinet Committee on Security meets after India bombs Pak terror camps: If you’ve just joined us, this is the big news this morning.
The Indian Air Force has carried out an aerial strike at terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir early this morning. “Twelve Mirage 2000 Indian fighter jets struck major terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC) and completely destroyed it by shelling 1000 Kg bombs”, Indian Air Force sources told ANI.
“At 12.30 am, on February 26, a group of Mirage 2000 Indian Fighter jets struck major terrorist camps across the LoC and completely destroyed it,” IAF sources said.
NSA Ajit Doval has briefed PM Narendra Modi even as the Cabinet Committe on Security is taking place now at the PM’s residence.
The ministry of defence has yet to give a briefing on the issue, but reports say several terror launch pads have been destroyed in Balakot and Chakoti in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Reports say that Pakistan foreign minister Mahmood Quereshi has called for an emergency meeting.
09:51 Which Balakote was taken out, asks Omar :
Omar Abdullah tweets: Unless we know which Balakote is being talked about by the Pakistani generals its pointless speculating about what we may have hit & what fallout the airstrike will have. If this is Balakote in KPK its a major incursion & a significant strike by IAF planes. However if its Balakote in Poonch sector, along the LoC its a largely symbolic strike because at this time of the year forward launch pads & militant camps are empty & non-functional.
09:49 Were Jaish camps destroyed in IAF air strikes empty?:
@Jonah Blank This may be the substantive news of the reported #India-#Pakistan action. Any #JaishEMohammad camp destroyed by #IAF was almost certainly empty. And India is highly unlikely to have attacked a Pakistan military target. -BUT if Indian Air Force crossed the #LOC: Definite message
@NarangVipin Ok here we go. If true, first time IAF acknowledges crossing LoC for air strikes in almost half a century (1971 War). Did not do so during Kargil War one year after both India and Pakistan tested nuclear weapons. Seemingly did so today.
09:43
Training facility at #Balakot was developed in 2000-2001, overseen by Saifur Rehman Saifi, who pioneered suicide bombings in Pakistan, fought with the Taliban in Afghanistan, and targeted religious minorities. Al Rahmat Trust (another Jaish-e-Mohammed front) also registered there, says Author and strategic analyst Dhruva Jaishankar.
09:27
Former diplomat and strategic affairs expert KC Singh tweets
#Balakot #AirForce At Balakot Maharaja Ranjit Singhs army in 1831 eliminated Islamic force of Syed Ahmad, who like Talibans Mullah Omar had become Amir al-Mumunin. Pakistan ISPR tweeting pictures of large craters but no loss. Satellite pics will reveal actual damage & truth.
09:25 ‘This may be a mass-casualty event’:
According to Strategic Sentinel, a nonpartisan international relations and national security analysis agency, there may a mass-casualty due to the air strike.
“We’re getting reports that this may be a mass-casualty event. This seems to have been a surgical strike on a terrorist camp deep in Pakistan. Those camps have reportedly been destroyed,” it tweets.
09:06 Mirage 2000 jets dropped 1,000kg bombs on terror camps: Reports:
Twelve Mirage 2000 Indian fighter jets struck terrorist camps across the Line of Control, shelling 1000 Kg bombs, news agency ANI reported quoting Indian Air Force sources.
“Twelve Mirage 2000 Indian fighter jets struck major terrorist camps across the Line of Control and completely destroyed it by shelling 1000 Kg bombs”, ANI tweeted.
“At 12.30 am, on February 26, a group of Mirage 2000 Indian Fighter jets struck major terrorist camps across the LoC and completely destroyed it,”
Defence analyst Nitin Gokhale said that multiple Mirage 2000s went upto Balakot to strike terror camps.
“Multiple IAF aircraft went right upto Balakot (KPK)as confirmed by@DGISPRand hit Jaish camp(s) can be confirmed now,” Gokhale tweeted.
“Mirage 2000s struck Jaish camp(s). Completely flattened according to initial estimate,” he said in another tweet.
08:34 Indian planes flew into our airspace, says Pak :
Did Indian Air Force fighters fly across the LoC into Pakistan?
Major General Asif Ghafoor, the Director General of Inter Services Public Relations in Pakistan tweeted yesterday evening: ‘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.’
Image used for representational purpose only.
00:08 Ex-campaign staffer files sexual misconduct lawsuit against Trump:
A former staffer on Donald Trumps presidential campaign has filed a federal lawsuit against the US president, claiming he kissed her without consent.
Alva Johnson, who was director of outreach and coalitions in Alabama in 2016, told the Washington Post that Trump grabbed her hand and leaned in to kiss her on the lips, as the then candidate got out of a vehicle at a rally in Tampa on August 24 2016.
According to the Post, Johnson said she turned her head and the unwanted kiss landed on the side of her mouth, which she called super-creepy and inappropriate.
The Post quoted her as saying: I immediately felt violated because I wasnt expecting it or wanting it. I can still see his lips coming straight for my face.
In a statement to the newspaper, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders dismissed Johnsons allegation as absurd on its face.
Sanders said: This never happened and is directly contradicted by multiple highly credible eyewitness accounts.
Johnson filed the lawsuit in Florida on Monday, seeking damages for emotional pain and suffering.
The Post said the lawsuit also alleges the campaign discriminated against Johnson, who is black, by paying her less than her white male counterparts.
A spokesman for the Trump campaign denied the claim.
Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by numerous women, claims which he denies.
Source: Rediff