- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: India observed the sixth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a response to the deadly Pulwama terror attack. This operation underscored India’s strong stance against cross-border terrorism and its determination to take effective action against terrorist bases in Pakistan.
The airstrike, executed in the early hours of February 26, 2019, targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) facility in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and successfully destroyed a terrorist camp. Known as Operation Bandar, the entire mission lasted approximately 21 minutes, during which 16 aircraft—six each equipped with Spice 2000 and Crystal Maze missiles—entered PoK, while four remained in Indian airspace for backup.
Intelligence reports had identified the Balakot site as a major training center for JeM, where militants were prepared for suicide attacks and other violent operations, housing a significant number of operatives, including senior leaders.
This operation was a direct retaliation for the February 14, 2019, Pulwama attack, where 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives due to a vehicle-borne suicide bomber in Lethapora, Jammu and Kashmir. The Modi government confirmed the airstrike later that day, marking it as the first aerial engagement by India in Pakistan since the 1971 war.
In honor of this anniversary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the bravery and valor of the IAF soldiers on social media, stating that the operation exemplified the strength of “New India” and the nation’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, highlighting the tactical skill and strategic capabilities of the air force.
