Live: India Says Have Evidence Pakistan Used F-16 Jet In Feb. 27 Strike
Pakistani aircrafts violated the Indian airspace Wednesday morning.
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Pakistan Violates Indian Air Space
Pakistani fighter jets on Wednesday violated the Indian air space in Nowshera sector of Jammu & Kashmir's Rajouri district but were pushed back by Indian aircraft, a top official said, according to PTI.
"The jets entered into Indian air space over Nowshera sector this morning," the official said. The Pakistani aircrafts dropped bombs on their way out, the official said.
They were immediately pushed back by Indian jets on air patrol. There were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage.
This comes after India eliminated Jaish-e-Mohammed’s largest training camp, in response to a suicide bombing earlier this month that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.
Five Airports Closed For Civilian Air Traffic
Srinagar, Jammu and Leh airports were among five airports closed on Wednesday for civilian air traffic shortly after an Indian Air Force jet crashed in Kashmir's Budgam district, PTI Reported, citing officials.
The move to close the five airports comes amid escalation of tension between India and Pakistan after IAF carried out strikes on terror bases in Pakistan.
Airports at Chandigarh and Amritsar were among those closed, according to airline officials.
An Airport Authority of India spokesperson confirmed the development to Bloomberg in a telephone call.
Home Minister Convenes Meeting On Internal Security
India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh has convened a high level security meeting at North Block, DD News reported. The meeting is being attended by the Intelligence Bureau Chief, RAW Chief and Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also arrived at the Home Ministry in Delhi.
Indian Jet Crashes In Jammu & Kashmir, PTI Reports
In a separate report, PTI reported that an Indian Air Force aircraft crashed in the Budgam district of Jammu & Kashmir killing at least one person, citing officials, without identifying them.
Pakistan Claims To Have Undertaken Strikes
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country’s air force has undertaken strikes across the line of control, from within the Pakistani airspace. Here are the details:
- Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace.
- Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage.
- Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence.
- We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm.
- That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight.
Here’s the entire statement:
Today, Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace. This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence. We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight. For the last few years, India has been trying to establish what they call “a new normal” a thinly veiled term for doing acts of aggression at whatever pretext they wish on a given day. If India is striking at so called terrorist backers without a shred of evidence, we also retain reciprocal rights to retaliate against elements that enjoy Indian patronage while carrying out acts of terror in Pakistan. We do not wish to go to that route and wish that India gives peace a chance and to resolve issues like a mature democratic nation.
Pakistan Claims It Shot Down Two Indian Aircraft
Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani air space, Pakistan's armed forces' spokesperson said in a tweet. The Indian government is yet to respond officially to Pakistan's claims.
"In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K (Azad Jammu & Kashmir) while other fell inside IOK (Indian-Occupied Kashmir). One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area," he tweeted.
This assertion is by a Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson and has not been confirmed by the Indian government yet. We are awaiting an Indian government statement.
Rajnath Singh Reviews Security Situation, PTI Reports
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the security situation in the country, especially along the border with Pakistan, a day after Indian fighter jets bombed the biggest camp of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in that country, officials said.
During the meeting, attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval among others, a detailed presentation was given about the security situation in the country and steps taken to ensure peace in all sensitive places.
Singh directed the officials to ensure the Border Security Force, which guards the India-Pakistan border continues to remain on highest level of alertness so that any misadventure from across the border could be foiled, a home ministry official said.
Those who attended the meeting include Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain.
Source: PTI
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India Shoots Down Pakistan Air Force's F-16 Aircraft, Reports ANI, PTI
Pakistan Air Force's F-16 that violated Indian air space was shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3 kilometres within Pakistan’s territory in Lam valley, Nowshera sector, ANI reported, without identifying the source of information.
The aircraft was brought down in Jhangar area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri sector, PTI said citing officials in the Army.
Pakistan Stops Flights In Five Airports, ANI Reports
After India closed down five of its airports in northern India, Pakistan has also stopped all its international and domestic flight operations from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sailkot and Islamabad, according to an ANI report.
Five Airports In North India Closed
Airports in Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh and Amritsar have been closed down for civilian air traffic shortly after an Indian Air Force aircraft crashed in Kashmir's Budgam district, as per reports by PTI. An Airport Authority of India spokesperson confirmed the development to Bloomberg in a telephone call.
International flights between Indian and Pakistani air space are now being affected, according to Flightradar24.com, a Swedish internet-based service that shows real-time commercial aircraft flight information on a map.
Some flights in India and Pakistani air space are returning to their origin, while others appear to seek alternate routing, Flightradar24.com said.
Flight operations at Dehradun airport also have been temporarily suspended, ANI reported.
India Denies Reports Of IAF Jet Suffering Damage, Says PTI
There are no reports of any Indian Air Force jet suffering damage in action by India's adversaries, defence sources said today.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan claimed it shot down two Indian military aircraft over Pakistani air space and arrested at least one of the pilots.
Military spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor claimed in a tweet that one of the aircraft crashed in Pakistan occupied Kashmir while the other fell in Jammu & Kashmir.
"One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area," he said without elaborating.
Source: PTI
China Calls For Restraint, Sri Lanka Expresses Concern
The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its call for India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, news agency Reuters reported, without attribution.
Sri Lanka also said that it is deeply concerned about the developments between India and Pakistan. It strongly supports peace in South Asia region, it added, according to a Bloomberg report.
Pakistan Claims To Have Engaged Six Targets Across LoC
Pakistan Armed Forces Spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor claimed in a press conference that the army engaged six targets across the line of control this morning. The Indian government is yet to respond officially to Pakistan's claims.
- Engaged 6 targets across Line Of Control
- Did not engage any military target, didn't target humans
- Had no option but to respond
- Pakistan wanted to show it has capability to strike
- Strikes on Indian targets across the LoC were in self-defence and the country doesn’t claim victory
- Indian jets entered Pakistan across LoC
- Have taken 2 Indian pilots in custody
- 1 injured Indian pilot is in hospital
- No report of F-16 crashed in strikes
- Want to follow path that leads to peace
However, India said it knows of no such incident. There are no reports of any IAF jet suffering damage in action by India's adversaries, according to a PTI report quoting an unnamed defence sources in the Indian capital.
Indian Airlines Issue Advisories On Flight Disruptions In North India
Operations In Eight Airports Suspended
Operations in eight airports in three states have been suspended according to a notice to airmen released by the Civil Aviation Ministry. Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, said that the ministry is acting according to the Air Force’s directions.
The eight airports are in Amritsar, Pathankot, Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Simla, Dharamsala and Kullu.
No Damage Or Injuries, Says Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Uri
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Uri, Riyaz Malik said that there has been no damage or injuries, ANI reported.
Firing from across the border has also stopped, he added. "We have a plan for evacuation, transportation, rehabilitation and medical facilities but there is no need to panic for now."
PM Modi Said To Be Reviewing Situation, Reports Bloomberg
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to be reviewing the situation with his top officials in New Delhi, amid escalation of tensions with Pakistan, Bloomberg reported citing a person with knowledge of the matter.
Defence service chiefs are also part of the meeting.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, senior officials of the Indian Navy, Army and the Air Force and other security officials were holding a meeting to discuss the current security situation, PTI said, citing officials.
External Affairs Ministry To Brief Press Shortly
The Ministry of External Affairs will brief the press in New Delhi today, at 3:15 p.m.
Flight Operations To Resume: Bloomberg, ANI
The Indian government has lifted the airport shutdown notification, the Aviation regulator told Bloomberg. News agency ANI reported the same.
Watch The Indian Government's Press Briefing Live
India Lost One MiG 21 Aircraft, Says MEA
The Indian government acknowledged that it lost a MiG 21 aircraft while engaging with the Pakistani Air Force today.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar also said that a pilot was missing in action and while Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody, India is ascertaining the facts.
Kumar did not take any questions from the press.
Here’s the complete statement:
“India had informed about Counter Terrorism (CT) action it took yesterday against a training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan based on credible evidence that JeM intended to launch more attacks. Against this Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan’s attempts were foiled successfully. The Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly. In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side. In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts.”
Imran Khan Calls For "Better Sense" To Prevail, Invites India For Talks
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has invited India for talks saying that both countries cannot afford any “miscalculations” right now. Khan, in a publicly broadcast statement, said that if this situation escalates into a full-blown war then it won't be under the control of either him or Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
China Willing To Mediate India-Pakistan Tensions
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that they are concerned about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
As friend of both nations, China hopes India and Pakistan can solve problems via talks and ensure regional peace, Yi said in a statement on the ministry’s website. “China is willing to play a constructive role.”
MEA Summons Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider.
Opposition Leaders Anguished By "Politicisation" Of Cross-Border Tensions
A group of 21 opposition parties, including the likes of Congress, TDP, TMC, NCP, expressed “deep anguish” over some BJP leaders making the India-Pakistan border tensions a political issue.
“The meeting of 21 parties express their deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of the sacrifices made by our armed forces by leaders of the ruling party,” Congress President Rahul Gandhi said while reading a joint statement by the leaders. “National security must transcend narrow political considerations. The leaders observe that the Prime Minister has regrettably not convened an all-party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy.”
The opposition leaders also expressed concerns and condemned Pakistan's “misadventure” and hoped for the safety of the one missing pilot. “Leaders urge the government to take the nation into confidence in all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.”
The Congress also urged everyone to not spread unverified information.
Theresa May Joins Calls For Restraint
U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has joined other countries in urging Indian and Pakistan to exercise restraint and ensure the tensions do not escalate any further.
“We are in regular contact with both countries urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability,” May said in the U.K. House of Commons. “We are working through international partners including through the UN's Security Council to de-escalate tensions and monitoring developments closely and considering implications for British nationals. “
MEA Lodges "Strong Protest" To Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner
India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return.Ministry of External Affairs Statement
Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan’s political and and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control. A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control.Ministry of External Affairs Statement
Pakistan Says Only One Pilot In Custody
There is only one Indian pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody, according to Pakistan Armed Forces’ Spokesperson. Indian government had earlier said that 1 pilot is missing in action.
Earlier, Pakistan had claimed to have taken two pilots in custody.
Modi's Meets With Armed Forces Chiefs
Countries Ask UNSC To Ban JeM Chief In Fresh Proposal
The U.S., the U.K. and France have moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Pakistan-based terror group JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo.
The fresh proposal was moved Wednesday by the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation Security Council. The Security Council Sanctions Committee will have 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three members.
The proposal is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.
Source: PTI
Samjhuta Express Temporarily Suspended, Pakistan Foreign Ministry Says
The Samjhuta Express - which runs between Delhi and Attari - has been temporarily suspended in light of the escalated tensions between the two nations, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“The operation of Samjhuta Express has been suspended today, in view of the prevailing tensions between Pakistan and India. Samjhuta Express will resume its operations as soon as the security situation improves between India and Pakistan.”
We Hope Brave Pilot Would Return Home Soon, Says VK Singh
Vijay Kumar Singh, Minister of States to External Affairs said that the government is making efforts under the Geneva Convention to bring Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan back to the country.
Union Cabinet To Meet At Prime Minister's Residence Later Today, Reports ANI
U.S. Supports India's Action Against Terror, ANI Reports Citing Sources
The U.S. supports India’s decision to take action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp, America’s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, in a phone conversation late last night , ANI reported citing sources.
Indian Armed Forces Representatives To Meet Nirmala Sitharaman Shortly, Reports ANI
India Will Grow As One, Fight As One, Win As One: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Indians must trust our security forces and do everything possible to ensure that nothing dents their morale.
India's enemies want to stop its growth with every attack, he said in an address to the Bharatiya Janata Party workers, adding that all countrymen are standing like a rock to counter their “evil designs”.
He also said that the world is looking at India's collective will, acknowledging that the country's emotions are at a high.
Trump Involved In Trying To Help India, Pakistan, Bloomberg Reports
U.S. President Donald Trump said that the government is involved in trying to help out India and Pakistan, according to a Bloomberg report, amid escalating tensions between the nations over the last three days.
Speaking at the U.S.-North Korea summit at Hanoi, Trump said that he is receiving “reasonably attractive” news from the two neighbour nations.
“We have reasonably attractive news from Pakistan, India. They’ve been going at it and we’ve been involved trying to have them stop, and we have some reasonably decent news, hopefully that will be coming to an end. It’s been going on for a long time - decades and decades. There’s a lot of dislike unfortunately, so we’ve been in the middle trying to help them both out, see if we can get some organisation and some peace and I think probably that’s going to be happening.”
Army, Air Force To Hold Joint Press Meeting This Evening, ANI Reports
The Indian Army and Air Force will hold a joint press meeting today at 5:00 p.m. in New Delhi, ANI reported, citing unidentified sources.
Pakistan Ready To Consider Returning Captured IAF Pilot, Bloomberg Reports
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is willing to speak with PM Modi on the phone, said the country's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on GEO channel, according to Bloomberg.
Pakistan is ready to consider returning captured Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan, if that helps defuse the tension between the two nations, he said.
India Calls For Credible Action Before Talks With Pakistan, Bloomberg Reports
India will not negotiate or talk with Pakistan over the fate of a captured air force pilot, an Indian official said in New Delhi.
India needs credible and verifiable action from Pakistan that it has targeted terrorist groups operating on its soil, said the official, who did not want to be identified.
India’s statement comes as the U.S. urged India and Pakistan to refrain from further military action as international pressure builds on the long-standing rivals to de-escalate the most serious flare-up in decades that’s seen fighter jets from both nations shot down.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is ready to talk to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on phone, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on GEO television channel Thursday. The government was ready to consider returning the captured Indian pilot if that helped defuse tension, Qureshi said.
Here are the key highlights of what the official said:
- Need credible action from Pakistan for talks.
- Pakistan needs to act on terror camps.
- Pakistan needs to create atmosphere for talks.
- No deal with Pakistan on captured pilot.
- India wants captured air force pilot back unhurt, immediately.
- India didn't hit Pakistan but the terror camps there.
- Pakistan is creating 'war hysteria'.
- Don't need third parties for Pakistan talks.
Abhinandan To Be Released As "Peace Gesture"
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan who was captured yesterday, will be returned as a “peace gesture”.
In a long address on the floor of the National Assembly, Khan also urged India to talk and de-escalate tensions.
Air Vice Marshal Says Air Force Ready For Any Eventuality
Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said that Pakistani aircrafts that entered Indian airspace yesterday were unable to cause damage to military installations.
- Kapoor said that Pakistan has made many factually incorrect statements.
- He added that the air force is vigilant, ready and committed to take action in any eventuality.
Army Major General Says Pakistan Has Been Violating Ceasefire
Major General Surinder Singh Mahal said that Pakistan’s ceasefire violations have increased recently however India has been responding to it.
- Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violations on Feb. 26 at 5 pm and then again at night.
- Mahal said that the army continues to maintain strict vigil along the line of control.
- He added that the army is committed to maintaining peace in the region.
Navy Will Give A Stiff Respond If Needed
Rear Admiral DS Gujral said that the Indian Navy remains poised in all three dimensions to deter, prevent and defeat any misadventure by Pakistan.
Gujral said the Indian Navy is ready for a stiff response in case of any provocation by Pakistan.
India Ready To Target Terror Camps In Case of Pakistani Inaction
Major General Singh said that the Indian armed forces are ready to target terrorist camps in Pakistan if they keep supporting terrorism.
Enough Proof That Pakistan Used F-16 Aircraft, Say Armed Forces
Indian Armed Forces representatives said that they had proof that Pakistan used an F-16 aircraft to violate Indian airspace in yesterday’s operation. This was after Pakistan denied the claim that India had downed one Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, saying that they did not use the said aircraft in yesterday's operation.
The armed forces representatives showed the wreckage of an AMRAAM missile fired by Pakistan. They added that electronic signatures prove that F-16 were used by Pakistan.
Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said:
- There is enough evidence to show that Pakistan used F-16s in the mission through their electronic signatures.
- Parts of AMRAAM air-to-air missile which is carried only on the Pakistani F-16s were recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory.
Up To Political Leadership To Release Evidence Of Balakot Strike's Success
India's Air Vice Marshal said that they have fairly credible evidence of damage to terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan from the operation carried out two days ago.
- India hit intended target, destroyed camps in Feb. 26 strike, R.G.V. Kapoor said.
- It would be premature to say the number of casualties in the terrorist camp.
- He added that they will leave it up to the government to decide if they want to release evidence for the Balakot strike.
Modi Chairs High-Level Meet On Security: PTI Report
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday chaired a high-level meeting on security amid the heightened tensions with Pakistan and after Imran Khan announced the release of an Indian Air Force pilot captured by his country.
Officials told PTI that the meeting was attended by representatives of the three Services, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Several other senior officials also attended the meeting held at the prime minister's residence in New Delhi.
Modi Phones Putin Amid Cross-Border Tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about terrorism.
“The Prime Minister thanked President Putin for Russia’s steadfast support for India’s efforts to protect its interests against cross-border terror attacks, and renewed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism as a pillar of privileged and special strategic partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement “Both leaders agreed that the concerned should stop all support to terrorism.”
Pakistan To Handover IAF Pilot Abhinandan To India At Wagah-Attari Border
Pakistan officials will handover the captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India at the India-Pakistan border at Wagah-Attari post on Friday afternoon, according to a Bloomberg report citing a Geo TV channel.