MASSIVE: India strikes and destroys Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps across the LoC: LIVE UPDATES

Azhar Yusuf alias Mohd Salim alias Ustaad Gohri was targeted today in Balakot. He was one of the hijackers of IC-814. First images of the JeM hubs destroyed by Indian armed forces. Intel Sources: Picture of JeM facility destroyed by Indian Ar Force strikes in Balakot, Pakistan pic.twitter.com/th1JWbVrHw — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 Intel Sources: Ammunition dump blown up today in Balakot,Pakistan by IAF Mirages. The dump had more than 200 AK rifles, uncountable rounds hand grenades, explosives and detonators pic.twitter.com/b7ENbKgYaH — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 Intel Sources: Flags of USA, UK and Israel painted on staircases seen in Jaish e Mohammed facility destroyed by Indian Air Force jets in Balakot pic.twitter.com/266CEI0hGR — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 Key Jaish e Mohammed operatives targeted in today’s air strikes: Maulana Ammar(in pic 1, associated with Afghanistan and Kashmir ops) and Maulana Talha Saif(pic 2), brother of Maulana Masood Azhar and head of preparation wing pic.twitter.com/rkEyCqvMJg — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 Key Jaish e Mohammed terrorists targeted in today’s air strikes: Mufti Azhar Khan Kashmiri, head of Kashmir operations(pic 1) and Ibrahim Azhar(pic 2), the elder brother of Masood Azhar who was also involved in the IC-814 hijacking pic.twitter.com/IUv1njNygA — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 Pakistan Army cordons the whole area of Balakot .They are clearing all the evidences from the Balakot JeM camps so they can deny Indian claims of killing hundreds of terrorists. They are also hiding bodies of terrorists: Sources Information regarding terror camps has been provided to Pakistan but Pakistan continues to deny their existence. Pakistan has taken no concrete action against such terror attacks. Information was there that other terror attacks were to be taken: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary Government is committed to take actions against terrorism. The strike has taken place short while ago hence we are waiting for more details. 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: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary Top terror commanders killed. India struck the biggest terror camp in Balakot. This facility was headed by brother in law of Masood Azhar: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary Large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders were eliminated in largest JeM camp in Balakot. Camp was led by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary Statement by Foreign Secretary on 26 February 2019 on the Strike on JeM training camp at Balakot On 14 February 2019, a suicide terror attack was conducted by a Pak based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad, leading to the martyrdom of 40 brave jawans of the CRPF. JeM has been active in Pakistan for the last two decades, and is led by MASOOD AZHAR with its headquarters in Bahawalpur. This organization, which is proscribed by the UN, has been responsible of a series of terrorist attacks including on the Indian Parliament in December 2001 and the Pathankot airbase in January 2016. 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 jidhadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities. India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against the JeM to prevent jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan. Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil. Credible intelligence was received that JeM was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country, and the fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. In the face of imminent danger, a preemptive strike became absolutely necessary. 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. The Government of India is firmly and resolutely committed to taking all necessary measures to fight the menace of terrorism. Hence this non-military preemptive action was specifically targeted at the JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties. The facility is located in thick forest on a hilltop far away from any civilian presence. As the strike has taken place only a short while ago, we are awaiting further details. The Government of Pakistan had made a solemn commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. We expect that Pakistan lives up to its public commitment and takes follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions. PM Modi has briefed both President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu about the action. Sources have told Republic TV that the Defence Minister was presented with multiple retaliatory options. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa drew up the plan for retaliatory air strikes. Indian Army and Air Force stepped up the air surveillance along the LoC. Drones were also used for the surveillance, we are being told. It is also learnt that target spots were selected around Feb 20-21. Two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were designated for the mission. Further, early warning jet of Embraer platform and mid-air refueller did a trial run. Sources have also mentioned told that 12 Mirage 2000s took off in batches. The mirages are equipped with laser-guided bombs. Also, it is reported that surveillance drone was also used in the operation. They fly at a low-level across LoC near Muzaffarabad. Govt has called for an all party meeting at 5 pm later on Tuesday. EAM Sushma Swaraj has called a meeting inviting Opposition leaders at Jawahar Bhawan (MEA) to brief them on India’s action. On Feb 15, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had presented the retaliatory airstrike option. On Feb 24, the trial run was carried out from Bhatinda and Agra. This included the early warning jets and mid air refueller. Heron Surveillance drone was used in the operation. Top senior commanders of Jaish were moved out by Pakistan army from Balakot post in the past few days. Sources indicate that more than 245 foot soldiers and terrorists who were under going training in these 3 camps were neutralised Army chief and Air Force chief will be meeting NSA. NSA Ajit Doval along with Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa is reviewing the security situation on the borders after #IndianAirForce strikes at JeM terror camp in Balakot across LoC. pic.twitter.com/LAu3dMPohE — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 The northern army Commander is monitoring the situation and in touch with the Army Chief and all all the formation Commanders and they have been ordered to deal with any Pakistani misadventure. 7 Squadron Battle Axes and 1 Squadron Tigers engaged in the operation. Joint air surveillance by Indian Air Force and army was done between February 16-21. Trial run was being done in Central India so that Pakistani Intelligence cannot pick up any chatter. Meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, is underway. Air Strikes today a strong response by India to Pakistan: If you can’t shut terror training camps, then we will: Top govt source Strike carried out under planning/directions directly from NSA Ajit Doval: Sources Along with Jaish, LeT and HM training camps have been hit. Dullai, south Muzzafarabad on Kohla road — camps for communication of all terror groups (Jaish, HM & LeT) for controlling operations located here — this too has been destroyed. Former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauds Indian forces for taking down terror camps in Pakistan. आतंकवाद को जड़ से उखाड़ने का अभियान शुरू हो गया है! भारत की तरफ कोई गलत नज़र से देखेगा, तो उसका वही अंजाम होगा जो आज जैश के आतंकियों का हुआ है। #IndianAirForce और हमारे जवानों के जज्बे को सलाम ! #IndiaStrikesBack pic.twitter.com/o2MlEuBQMm — ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) February 26, 2019 Exercise commenced at about 3 am on Tuesday. Payload was released at designated points and “assets” have returned safely. IAF machinery along the border is on a heightened alert. IAF used the Ambala base for the operation: Sources Here's what former Army chief and present MoS MEA VK Singh had to tweet about Indian forces decimating Jaish camps in Pakistan. They say they want India to bleed with a 1000 cuts. We say that each time you attack us, be certain we will get back at you, harder and stronger. Salute the brave pilots of the @IAF_MCC that carried out the strikes. #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/3dLvr5oX0B — Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) February 26, 2019 Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale to brief the media at 11:30 am China, Pakistan Foreign Ministers hold telephonic conversation over India's air strikes: XINHUA Sources: Pakistani F16s were scrambled to retaliate against IAF Mirage 2000s but turned back due to size of Indian formation. Western Air Command coordinated operation. pic.twitter.com/cCXndYNc1H — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 Sources: One of the targets destroyed by IAF Mirage jets was in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area pic.twitter.com/QJtWeTxOfk — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 First reaction from the Indian Air Force after attack on JeM camps. #BREAKING on #IndiaStrikesPakistan: Air Commander Srinivasan gives first IAF response after India destroys Jaish terror camps across the LoC. Watch LIVE here - https://t.co/LGCyJUEBn5 — Republic (@republic) February 26, 2019 We just got to know about the strike...I think we should wait for official confirmation...All bases are on alert...Clarity will be provided by the Ministry of Defence...We are on top alert after Pulwama....We will see what all these strikes were about: Air Commodore Srinivasan This was a diplomatic strike. A warning to Pakistan. The strike was way beyond LoC. This was not cross IB. This was an “escalatory move”: MoD source Agra, Bareilly, Halwara used for launching planes for attack: IAF sources PM Modi supervised the operation. He was in situation room at South block. He will speak at the Rashtrapati Bhavan at the Gandhi peace prize ceremont in a while: Sources Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar address media. The Indian forces early on Tuesday morning struck the terror bases in Pakistan as 12 Mirage 2000 jets carrying 1000 kg of bombs dropped it at various Jaish-e-Mohammed camps in the neighboring country. Sources have told Republic TV that the attack took place at 3:30 am on February 26. Three control rooms of the terror group - Balakot, Chakoti, Muzaffarabad - were destroyed as the Indian forces avenged Pulwama, souces also mentioned. #IndiaStrikesBack| It's a massive air strike on Pakistan. Tune in for all the details. pic.twitter.com/AnuyqtRAbN — Republic (@republic) February 26, 2019 This attack comes less than two weeks after 40 CRPF jawans attained martyrdom following an IED blast on their convoy along the Pulwama district on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. In the aftermath of the that attack, a joint-operation was conducted by the security forces in the Pulwama district and three JeM terrorists were neutralized, including the mastermind of the previous attack. The armed forces and the Indian government on a number of occasions mentioned that Pakistan will be taught a lesson. Initially, diplomatic action was taken as the Most Favored Nation (MNF) status was withdrawn from them, while tax on exports from Pakistan was increased. Sources have said that the Jaish camps in Balakot, Chakoti, Muzaffarabad have all been completely destroyed. The operation was completed in 21 mins. In Balankot camp of Jaish, the attack took place between 3:45 am and 3:53 am. In Muzaffarabad, the operation was held between 3:48 am and 3:55 am, while in Chakoti, the strike took place between 3:35 am and 4:04 am Republic TV has learnt that the blueprint of the attack was discussed during Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman's meeting with the three respective chief's of Indian Armed forces. It is reported that it was a well-planned move, and stand-by teams were also set up in case Pakistan retaliated. #BREAKING on #IndiaStrikesBack | Sources: Blueprint of the air operation was discussed with the Raksha Mantri in New Delhi. https://t.co/LGCyJUEBn5 — Republic (@republic) February 26, 2019 #BREAKING on #IndiaStrikesBack | Sources: PM Modi briefed by NSA Ajit Doval on the operation — Republic (@republic) February 26, 2019 Here's how the political leaders have reacted to Indian forces attacking Jaish camps in Pakistan: I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 26, 2019 Wow, if this is true this was not a small strike by any stretch of imagination but will wait for official word, should any be forthcoming. https://t.co/bOFt7SXl43 — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 26, 2019 🇮🇳 I salute the pilots of the IAF. 🇮🇳 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 26, 2019 भारतीय वायु सेना के जाँबाज़ सैनिकों के शौर्य और साहस को मेरा सलाम। आतंकी ठिकानों पर की गई जबरदस्त कार्यवाही के लिए सैनिकों को बधाई, मैं और मेरी पार्टी राष्ट्रहित में उठाए जाने वाले हर कदम पर आपके साथ हैं। — Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia) February 26, 2019 India #Strikesback in its fight against terror. Watch #breakingnews Time to close ranks. #IndiaFirst A Strike for Peace and Respect for Life. — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 26, 2019 We salute bravery of our pilots and Air Force. We are blessed and proud of our forces. Jai Hind — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) February 26, 2019 I salute the Indian Air Force and indeed all our Armed Forces. Congratulations @IAF_MCC — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 26, 2019 IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 26, 2019 Great job by the #IndianAirForce. The #IAFStrikes 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 #PulwamaAttack. Bravo to the #IAF men and my full support for the action. — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) February 26, 2019 Hail the efforts of Indian Air Force. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 26, 2019 A number of firsts from Balakote, the two most obvious are the first time air power has been used to strike in side Pakistan during peace times (last time in 1971 was during war) & first time visible, acknowledged use of force to preempt a perceived terror strike. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 26, 2019 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 & decisive leadership of PM @narendramodi. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 26, 2019 Today's strong action shows the will and resolve of a New India. Our New India will not spare any acts of terror and their perpetrators and patrons. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 26, 2019 भारत के सैनिकों- आप पर हमें गर्व है।प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्र मोदी जी के मजबूत नेतृत्व में आज हर देशवासी गौरवान्वित महसूस कर रहा है। आतंकियों के पनाहगार याद रखे ये नया भारत है, हम किसि को छेड़ते नहीं, पर किसी ने छेड़ा तो उसे छोड़ेंगे भी नहीं। जय हिंद#IndianAirForce — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) February 26, 2019 Republic TV shall not broadcast any video unless officially confirmed. #IndiaStrikesBack: In national interest Republic TV will not broadcast any video of the air strike until there is an official confirmation. — Republic (@republic) February 26, 2019 Pak FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi calls an ‘Emergency meeting at the Foreign Office’: Geo TV 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. pic.twitter.com/9GER7eqGPf — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts to the successful strike carried out by the Indian forces: #IndiaStrikesBack| We have shown Pakistan that our soldiers lives wont go in vain: Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister https://t.co/LGCyJUWcLF — Republic (@republic) February 26, 2019

Advertisement

MASSIVE: India strikes and destroys Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps across the LoC: LIVE UPDATES

The Indian forces early on Tuesday morning struck the terror bases in Pakistan as 12 Mirage jets carrying 1000 kg of bombs dropped it at various Jaish-e-Mohammed camps