The strike was carried out by the Indian Air Force against terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in retaliation to a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Here is everything you need to know about Balakot airstikes:
Why were Balakot airstrikes carried out?
Fourty CRPF personnel were killed when a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) rammed a vehicle carrying explosives into their bus in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. Around 40 CRPF jawans died, 39 in the 5th bus and one from the ROP. Five more men in the sixth bus were injured.
This gastly attack was the first time a suicide bomber in an explosive laden vehicle has attacked a CRPF convoy. About 80kg of explosives was used for the attack.
India’s response ‘Balakot Strikes’
In response to On Feburary 26, Indian warplanes crossed the de facto border in the disputed region of Kashmir and dropped bombs in the vicinity of the town of Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
The warplanes hit a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot to avenge killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack.
“In an intelligence led operation in the early hours of today, India struck the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by MAULANA YOUSUF AZHAR (alias USTAD GHOURI), the brother-in-law of MASOOD AZHAR, Chief of JeM,” said the official press statement of External Affairs Ministry.
Pakistan’s failed strike and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman:
A day later on February 27, IAF foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to strike at military installations in Jammu and Kashmir. In the aerial skirmish, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman piloting a MiG-21 Bison aircraft shot down a much-advanced F-16 of PAF.
However, his aircraft was also hit and upon ejection, his parachute landed in PoK, where he was taken captive by Pakistan Army.
Under international pressure, Pakistan released the IAF pilot two days later, who returned to his country to a hero’s welcome.
Fighter is a tribute to the sacrifice and patriotism of the Indian armed forces. It is set to release in theatres across the country on Thursday.
