New Delhi: As many as 300 terrorists are believed to have been killed in the air strike carried out by India across the Line Of Control, multiple reports have suggested.
The strike was India’s response to the Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans. They included two jawans from Odisha. Pakistan has threatened retaliation.
Some media reports have claimed that the figure could be over 500. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhle confirmed the air strike in Balakot, describing the strike as a non-military preemptive action. He said the strike had become necessary as there was credible information that Jaish-e-Mohammad, the mastermind of Pulwama terror attack, was planning more attacks in various parts of the country.
“India struck Balakot training camp of JeM this morning. Selection of the target was conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties. We are awaiting further details because the strike has taken place a short-while ago,” Gokhle said.
The strike was carried out by IAF’s Mirage-2000 jets in the early hours on Tuesday in a few minutes. The exact number of terrorists eliminated could become clearer as the day progresses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a top security meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in the aftermath of the air strike.
Reports have suggested that the air strike included one of the biggest Jaish e Mohammed camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. According to analysts, the strike confirmed that India will deploy full spectrum deterrence if hit by a terror strike by Pakistan based terrorist group.
Pakistan Foreign Minister S M Qureshi speaking to media following the air strike confirmed that India had crossed the LoC and carried out the strike.
“India violated line of control. Pakistan reserves right to reply,” he said, adding, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has called a meeting.
The air strike was carried out at around 3.30 PM.
