In the wee hours of the morning, Pakistan has been reporting heavy movement along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. Pakistan has claimed that the Indian Airforce crossed the Line of Control and breached the Pakistani airspace. At around 5:30 AM, the Pakistan Army spokesperson tweeted that the Indian Airforce had violated the Line of Control.
Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 25, 2019
At 7:06 AM, the Pakistan Army spokesperson tweeted that Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzaffarabad sector. He claimed that IAF “released payload” in haste “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
While Pakistan says that IAF “dropped the payload in haste”, Indian Airforce is yet to comment on the situation.
Vishnu Som, NDTV’s defence reported has also reported that there are strong rumours of IAF strikes on Pakistan targets in the early hours of the morning. Crucial for official reactions. Pakistan also confirms we hit.
Strong reports of IAF strikes on Pak targets in the early hours of the morning. Crucial for official reactions. Pak also confirms we hit.
— Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) February 26, 2019
Defence Analyst Nitin Gokhale said that speculations are rife that IAF conducted two-pronged Kinetic action in air and ground.
Two-pronged kinetic action, in air and on ground appears—pl note the word appears—to have happened in Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Briefing expected on Indian side. So far no official word. Only a very strong buzz. Wait for updates
— Nitin A. Gokhale (@nitingokhale) February 26, 2019
Pakistan itself is claiming that India reached Balakot, which is beyond Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
Shiv Aroor has tweeted that IAF is to make a statement shortly.
Indian MoD and IAF to make statement shortly on @OfficialDGISPR’s claim that India may have conducted air strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) February 26, 2019
Pakistan backed Jaish-e-Mohammad, which had been dormant in the valley for quite some time was instrumental in executing the horrific Pulwama attack which consumed the lives of 44 CRPF soldiers leaving several critically injured. India has been making several attempts ever since to avenge the dastardly attack. Prime Minister Modi had sworn retribution and asserted that India would make Pakistan pay.
