Six Years Since the Balakot Airstrike: India's Firm Stance Against Terrorism
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Synopsis
India commemorates the sixth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike, a significant military operation by the IAF aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan in response to the Pulwama attack that claimed 40 CRPF lives. This operation exemplifies India's steadfast approach against cross-border terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Balakot Airstrike took place on February 26, 2019.
- It was a response to the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019.
- Executed by IAF's seventh and ninth squadrons.
- Involved 16 aircraft and lasted 21 minutes.
- Marked India's zero tolerance policy against terrorism.
New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) On Wednesday, India commemorated the sixth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike executed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a direct reaction to the devastating Pulwama terror attack.
This airstrike was integral to India’s efforts against cross-border terrorism and underscored the nation’s readiness to take decisive measures against terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
Executed in the early hours of February 26, 2019, it was a “punitive strike” targeted at a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) facility in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the destruction of a Balakot-based terror camp.
Codenamed Operation Bandar, the operation — from the aircraft's entry into PoK to their return to India — spanned approximately 21 minutes.
A total of 16 aircraft were deployed, with six armed with Spice 2000 and Crystal Maze missiles, breaching the Line of Control (LoC) to strike the Balakot terror camp while four remained in Indian airspace as a precaution.
The airstrike was executed by the IAF’s seventh and ninth squadrons.
Indian Intelligence had identified the Balakot facility as one of JeM’s largest training centers, where operatives were groomed for suicide missions and lethal terror attacks. Intelligence reports suggested that the camp housed numerous militants, including senior commanders.
This operation was a direct response to the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, carried out by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber in Lethapora.
Later that same day, the Modi government confirmed the airstrike, marking the first aerial engagement by India in Pakistan since the India-Pakistan war of 1971.
On this significant day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his sentiments on his X handle, saying, "On the 6th anniversary of the Balakot Air Strike, we pay tribute to the infinite valor and unwavering courage of the brave soldiers of @IAF_MCC! This audacious operation reflects the strength of the 'New India', our nation's zero tolerance policy towards terrorism, and the exceptional tactical acumen and unique strategic skills of our air warriors. Jai Hind!"
