Tried to retaliate but failed as usual! Pakistani F16s turned back due to the size of IAF Mirage 2000s formation

Islamabad, February 26: Shocked, stunned, unexpected..! Giving sleepless night to Pakistan, India rightly conducted the aerial strike destroying the biggest terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammad on February 26. In an attempt to hit back, Pakistani F16s were scrambled to retaliate against IAF Mirage 2000s but turned back due to the size of Indian formation. Western Air Command coordinated the operation.

 

Pakistan Major General Asif Ghafoor said, “Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow.” He further added that, “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.”

Pakistan was already terrified by India’s constant warning but little did they know that India would strike back so aptly. Shaken and disturbed Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi warned New Delhi not to challenge Islamabad and said that better sense should prevail in India. Running to its aide, Pakistan and China had a telephonic conversation over India’s air strikes.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that India has carried out a misadventure against Pakistan. He called the strike a sign of "grave aggression" and a violation of the Line of Control. Qureshi has said Pakistan reserves the right to self defence. However, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for a meeting after India striked back destroying the terror camps.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale addressed Press conference confirming the Balakot attack by the Indian Air Force. He said the air strike was a non-military pre-emptive action. "It was also selected to avoid civilian casualties. It is in a thickly forested area," he added. Giving further details, the Foreign Secretary said that India has struck the biggest camp of JeM in this attack. Credible information was received that JeM was attempting other attacks in the country.

However, the Indian Air Force has been put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and Line of Control (LoC) to respond to any possible action by Pakistan air force.

Tension between India and Pakistan aggravated after the Pulwama Terror Attack by Pakistan backed JeM terror group on 40 CRPF jawans on February 14. Giving a befitting reply, India has diplomatically isolated Pakistan by taking off its ‘Most Favoured Nation’ tag and also increasing the export tax by 200%.