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2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Alibaloshi12 (talk | contribs) at 02:26, 28 February 2019 (Trimmed down irrelevant information. Changed the title to air skrimish since no it would sound more neutral). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2019 India–Pakistan standoff
Part of Indo-Pakistani conflicts,
and Kashmir conflict

The Map of Line of Control
Date14 February 2019 – present
(6 years, 9 months, 2 weeks and 3 days)
Location
Line of Control
Status Ongoing
Belligerents

India

JeM

Pakistan

Casualties and losses
40–46 CRPF killed[1][2] and 70 wounded[3]
5 soldiers wounded[4]
1 pilot captured[5][6]
1 MiG-21 shot down (Indian claim)[7]
2 fighter jets shot down (Pakistani claim)[8][9][10]		 350 killed (Indian claim)[11]
None killed (Pakistani claim)[12][13]		 1 fighter jet and 1 UAV shot down (Indian claim)[7][14]
4–6 Pakistani civilians killed and one injured[15][16][17]

The 2019 India–Pakistan standoff is an ongoing Indo-Pakistani conflict in Kashmir. On 14 February, a militant from Jammu and Kashmir killed 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force members. The attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed. However, Pakistan condemned the attack and demanded actionable proofs which India failed to provide, even to the UN to its claims. On 26 February, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes over the Line of Control in Kashmir, the first since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. India claimed it had killed 350 militants[11] but media men were shown the site-of-attack where there was no building destroyed or people killed. On the same day, India attacked on border killing at least 4 Pakistani civilians.

Timeline

Lethpora suicide attack

Main article: 2019 Pulwama attack

The 2019 Indo-Pakistan military standoff started[18] in mid-February 2019, when a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel and the perpetrator were killed in the attack. Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack. The attacker was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, a local from Indian-administered Kashmir, and a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed.[19] This was the deadliest attack on Indian forces by the anti-Indian insurgency in Kashmir.[20]

Balakot airstrike

Main article: 2019 Balakot airstrike

On 26 February 2019, India says the IAF conducted airstrikes with the aid of twelve Mirage 2000 jets flown from different airbases. India claims the jets flew deep into Pakistan-administered Kashmir, crossing the Line of Control in Kashmir, and dropped several 1,000 kilogram bombs on terror training centres and launch pads. India said the airstrike was in retaliation to the Pulwama attack, which took place two weeks prior to the strike. Indian official sources stated that the jets struck Jaish-e-Mohammed-operated, Lashkar-e-Taiba-operated and Hizbul Mujahideen-operated militant camps in Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad,[21] killing a large number of militants (reported to be around 350) and returned to Indian airspace unharmed. India failed to provide evidence. Pakistani officials denied this course of events and claimed that the bombs were dropped in unpopulated areas and resulted in no casualties, infrastructural or other damage.[22] This airstrike was the first time since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 that aerial attacks had crossed the Line of Control.[20] Pervez Khattak, Pakistani Defence Minister, stated that the Pakistani Air Force did not retaliate at that time because it was "too dark".[23]

The New York Times reported that western officials have questioned the existence of such large scale training camps. They claimed that Pakistan no longer runs such camps and militants are spread out in small groups across the country. Analysts and Diplomats from New Delhi claim that the target of Indian airstrike is unclear as terrorist groups along the border would have vacated the area after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to retaliate. Rahul Bedi, an analyst from a London-based group, claimed the airstrike was "more of political symbolism than anything else."[24]
Villagers from the area claimed that they heard three or four loud bangs, and that one building was damaged and a local man was lightly injured due to the airstrikes, which the villagers said hit a forest.[25][26]

On the other hand, Business Insider stated that "On the Pakistani side, the airstrikes represent a deeply embarrassing military defeat, even though they claim the airstrikes missed and killed no one."[27] Asfandyar Mir of the Center for International Security and Cooperation stated that "What happened is embarrassing ... The fact that India was able to intrude into Pakistani airspace, not into the disputed region, but into the country, very close to the place where the US raid to kill Osama Bin Laden happened... this is embarrassing for domestic audience."[27]

Pakistani drone shot down

On the same day, a Pakistani drone was reported to have been shot down by an Indian SPYDER air defense system near the India-Pakistan international border and its debris was found in Nanghatad, a village in Abdasa Taluka in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India.[14][28]

Border skirmishes

Heavy skirmishes between Pakistani and Indian forces occurred along the Line of Control on 26 February, with small arms and mortar fire being exchanged.[29] Pakistani officials reported that at least four civilians were killed, and eleven were wounded.[30][31] A 55-year old woman and her two children (aged 20 and 8 years old) were killed in the Nakyal sector. In the Khuiratta sector, a 40-year old woman was killed.[30]

Throughout 27 February, heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces continued along the Line of Control.[32] On 27 February, early in morning, Pakistan army used tanks on LoC and the international border in cross-border firing and mirror shelling resulted in 10 army jawans being injured and two residential houses damaged.[33]

Airstrike in Rajouri and Poonch

On 27 February, Pakistani military officials announced that Pakistan had carried out an airstrike against multiple targets in Indian Administered Kashmir. A military spokesman claimed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had hit six locations and the targets were non military.[34][35] On the other hand, Indian military confirmed Pakistan's airstrike. Indian military, however, claimed that Pakistan Air Force only struck four locations and their target were Indian military installations. The areas identified by Indian military were Nadian, Laam Jhangar, Kerri in Rajouri District and Hamirpur area of Bhimber Galli in Poonch. According to Indian military, three Pakistan Air Force jet had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir. They were however pushed back by Indian airforce.[36][37][38]

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the airstrikes only aimed to "send a message" and Pakistan's plan was to cause "no casualties" on the Indian side.[39] India rejected this account of the airstrikes. Imran Khan also appealed for negotiations to avoid war.[39]

Air Skrimish

After Pakistani military officals announced that it had carried out airstrikes against multiple targets along Line of Control,ISPR reported that Pakistan Air Force shot down 2 Indian aircraft after they had intruded in Pakistan's airspace. ISPR claimed that one of the jets fell in Pakistan administered Kashmir, while the other fell in Indian administered Kashmir.[40] ISPR also claimed that it had captured two pilots, although later it was confirmed to be only one by the DG ISPR.[41] The pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman, is a Wing Commander and a MiG-21 Bison pilot.[6][42] The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed[43] that an Indian pilot is missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets after they violated Indian airspace.[44]

Raveesh Kumar from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs[43] claimed that a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft was shot down by the Indian Air Force after it violated India's airspace.[45][20] India claimed that the Pakistani jet fell 3 km inside Pakistani territory.[46] Indian military claims were, however, rejected by the Pakistani authorities,[20] who claimed that no Pakistan Air Force jet was harmed in the attack and that F-16 were not used in the attack.[47]

Suspension of air traffic in India and Pakistan

In Pakistan, all domestic and international flights were suspended but was partially replaced in a few hours.[48][49] India also suspended operations at nine airports for a few hours.[50]

International response

Pakistan

Pakistan has argued that the airstrikes in Balakot were gross violations of its sovereignty. It has also gone on too say that there are no terrorist camps in the area which has been confirmed by local civilians.[51] They argue that human rights abuses by Indian security forces in addition to the Indian government's refusal to allow Kashmiris the right to self-determination has resulted in a breeding ground for terrorism in Indian occupied Kashmir.[52] They have gone on further to say that JEM militants have targeted Pakistani government officials and military.

People's Republic of China

China stated that Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism and has the right to defend itself. It also urges both countries to exercise restraint. [53]

Iran

Offered to hold peace talks between India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.[54]

Turkey

The Turkish government called for "calm" and offered to mediate between the two countries.[55]

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Theresa May called for de-escalation during Prime Minister's Questions.

United States

The United States has encouraged Pakistan and India not to escalate the situation further by using military action and for the two countries to prioritize direct communication, also encouraging Pakistan to take further action against terrorist groups present in the country. [56]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Indian aircraft violate Pakistan airspace 'to conduct surgical strike'". The Independent. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  2. ^ "India will 'completely isolate' Pakistan". 15 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via www.bbc.com.
  3. ^ "Pulwama terror attack: Timeline of conflict between India and Pakistan". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  4. ^ Network, The Statesman/Asia News. "Heavy shelling reported on India-Pakistan border; 5 soldiers injured". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  5. ^ Dawn.com (27 February 2019). "2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; pilot arrested". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  6. ^ a b DelhiFebruary 27, India Today Web Desk New; February 27, 2019UPDATED:; Ist, 2019 18:49. "Pakistan claims IAF's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in its custody, releases video". India Today. Retrieved 27 February 2019. {{cite web}}: |first2= has generic name (help); |first3= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b "Statement by Official Spokesperson on 27 February 2019". www.mea.gov.in. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  8. ^ "Pakistan shoots down two Indian Air Force jets as tensions escalate". Evening Standard. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  9. ^ "2 IAF pilots feared dead as MiG crashes in Kashmir's Budgam". India Today. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  10. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-says-it-has-shot-down-two-indian-jets-in-its-airspace/2019/02/27/054461a2-3a5b-11e9-a2cd-307b06d0257b_story.html?utm_term=.5c22a217b4c4
  11. ^ a b PTI. "350 terrorists killed in LoC air strike, claims India". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  12. ^ "India launches air strike in Pakistan; Islamabad denies militant..." 27 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  13. ^ "Pakistani villagers say many person wounded in Indian air strike". 26 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  14. ^ a b "Pak drone shot down near Gujarat border". The Hindu. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  15. ^ "Six martyred in Indian shelling at LoC". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  16. ^ "Jet downing raises India-Pakistan tension". 27 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via www.bbc.com.
  17. ^ Naqash, Tariq (27 February 2019). "4 AJK civilians dead, 11 wounded in 'indiscriminate' Indian shelling across LoC". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  18. ^ "Viewpoint: India strikes in Pakistan a major escalation". 26 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via www.bbc.com.
  19. ^ Pulwama Attack 2019, everything about J&K terror attack on CRPF by terrorist Adil Ahmed Dar, Jaish-eMohammad, India Today, 16 February 2019.
  20. ^ a b c d "India Pakistan: Kashmir fighting sees Indian aircraft downed". BBC News. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  21. ^ "Surgical strike on Pakistan: Exact target of IAF operation identified as Jaba Top; air force carried out several hits around site". Firstpost. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  22. ^ "Indian strikes target militants in Pakistan". 26 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via www.bbc.com.
  23. ^ Anderson, Claire (27 February 2019). "Pakistan defence minister mocked after saying it was 'Too Dark' for airstrike retaliation". Daily Express. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  24. ^ Abi-Habib, Maria; Ramzy, Austin (25 February 2019). "Indian Jets Strike in Pakistan in Revenge for Kashmir Attack". Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via NYTimes.com.
  25. ^ "We heard loud bangs, say villagers near Balakot where India hit Pakistan". The Economic Times. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  26. ^ "No blood. No bodies. No debris. No tragedy". The Express Tribune. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  27. ^ a b Lockie, Alex (26 February 2019). "Pakistan clings to its nukes after embarrassing air battle and intense mockery from India". Business Insider. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  28. ^ https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/israeli-spyder-pakistani-spy-drone-abdasa-village-kutch-gujarat-balakot-air-s
  29. ^ "Heavy firing by Pakistan along LoC, Army strongly retaliates". Hindustan Times. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  30. ^ a b Naqash, Tariq (27 February 2019). "4 AJK civilians dead, 11 wounded in 'indiscriminate' Indian shelling across LoC". DAWN.COM.
  31. ^ "India launches air strike inside Pakistan; Islamabad denies..." Reuters. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  32. ^ "India-Pakistan reportedly exchange heavy fire on Line of Control - USD/INR may extend gains". FXStreet. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  33. ^ DelhiFebruary 27, India Today Web Desk New; February 27, 2019UPDATED:; Ist, 2019 06:20. "J&K: Pakistan army uses tanks on LoC in Sialkot sector, situation tense, say sources". India Today. Retrieved 27 February 2019. {{cite web}}: |first2= has generic name (help); |first3= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ "Pakistan says it shot down two Indian jets as Kashmir border crisis deepens". CNN. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  35. ^ "Pakistan had no choice but to respond, says DG ISPR". The Nation. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  36. ^ "Pakistan jets violate Indian airspace in Kashmir's Nowshera, drop bombs". The Week. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  37. ^ "Pakistani jets violate Indian air space, enter border areas of Nowshera sector in J-K's Rajouri district - Hwnews.in". Dailyhunt. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  38. ^ "Indian pilot 'missing in action'; IAF shoots down Pakistan's jet: What we know so far - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  39. ^ a b "Pakistan PM Imran Khan appeals for talks with India to avoid war", The Guardian
  40. ^ Choudhury, Saheli Roy (27 February 2019). "India-Pakistan airstrike claims: What you need to know". www.cnbc.com. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  41. ^ "Only one Indian pilot is under Pakistan Army's custody: ISPR DG". Dunya News. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  42. ^ Dawn.com (27 February 2019). "2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; 2 pilots arrested". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  43. ^ a b "Statement by Official Spokesperson on 27 February 2019". www.mea.gov.in. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  44. ^ "India-Pak Tensions LIVE: IAF Wing Commander Missing After MiG-21 Crash, Pakistan Claims He is in Their Custody, Says Govt". News18. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  45. ^ Iain Marlow and Kamran Haider. "Pakistan Downs Two Indian Jets, Pilot Arrested, Army Says". Bloomberg. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  46. ^ www.thenewsminute.com https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/pakistan-violates-indian-airspace-india-shoots-down-f-16-97434. Retrieved 27 February 2019. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  47. ^ "Pakistan says no F-16 aircraft used, dismisses report of their fighter jet crashing". www.businesstoday.in. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  48. ^ "Commercial flights at all major Pakistan airports reportedly suspended". Eleven Media Group Co., Ltd. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  49. ^ "Flight operations in Pakistan restored partially". Geo TV. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  50. ^ "Airspace north of Delhi turns no-fly zone for four hours". The Hindu. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  51. ^ https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/balakot-strike-not-disputed-but-locals-say-only-1-dead/cid/1685815. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  52. ^ "OHCHR - First-ever UN human rights report on Kashmir calls for international inquiry into multiple violations". www.ohchr.org. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  53. ^ https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-soft-on-pakistan-always-opposed-terrorism-1466070-2019-02-27. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  54. ^ "Iran offers mediation between Pakistan and India amid rising tensions". Samaa TV. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  55. ^ "Turkey calls for calm between Pakistan, India - Turkey News". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  56. ^ "Concern Regarding India-Pakistan Tensions". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
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