Balakot anniversary: On February 26, 2019, India took a bold step to avenge the killing of 40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Air Force destroyed the hideouts of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad in Balakot, Pakistan, through an airstrike. The attack took place due to a terror attack by JeM terrorists on February 14, 2019. It was the deadliest attack in Jammu and Kashmir where a CRPF convoy was attacked with an IED bomb in Awantipora, Pulwama.
Planning and Execution of the Operation
The operation was planned with complete secrecy by the then Chief of IAF, RKS Bhadauria. The date for the operation was decided as February 26, the day Army’s Aero India Show was supposed to conclude, and foreign delegations were supposed to leave the country. The codeword for the operation was ‘Bandar’. Indian Airforce along with 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets crossed the border at around 3:30 AM on February 26, 2019, and attacked Balakot in Pakistan by dropping bombs on terrorists’ hideouts. Mirage 2000 jets were used to drop bombs on the sites, and a set of other combat aircraft comprising Mirages with Su-30MKI were tasked to keep the Pakistan air force planes away from the site of action.
The Result of the Strike
Several hideouts of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed were destroyed by Indian Airforce in the attack. Around 500 terrorists were reported to be present at the bases during the attack. The Indian Air Force destroyed all the bases with an airstrike.
Retaliation by Pakistan and Capture of Indian Pilot
The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) retaliated the next day with a strike in Jammu’s Rajouri sector. During an aerial battle between Indian and Pakistani airforces, India shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter plane while losing a MIG-21 Bison. The pilot of MIG-21 Bison, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan after he ejected himself over Paksitan’s territory after his jet got hit in the faceoff.
Release and Honours for Abhinandan
Abhinandan was released a day later after dramatic diplomatic talks between India and Pakistan. On Independence Day, Abhinandan was awarded the gallantry medal Vir Chakra. The Balakot airstrike showcased India’s resolve to take strong action against terrorism and changed the diplomatic discourse towards the country.
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