Revision as of 08:01, 18 March 2023 view sourceSierra-Hawk (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,538 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 09:27, 4 December 2024 view source Dympies (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users3,425 edits removed content based on media sources. Officially India never denied loss of its aircraft, so giving undue weight to media reports is unwarranted as discussed long back here : https://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard/Archive_301#The_BBC | ||
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{{short description|Series of armed skirmishes between India and Pakistan in Kashmir}} | {{short description|Series of armed skirmishes between India and Pakistan in Kashmir}} | ||
{{pp- |
{{pp-extended|small=yes}} | ||
{{EngvarB|date=November 2020}} | {{EngvarB|date=November 2020}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= |
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} | ||
{{ |
{{Infobox military conflict | ||
| conflict = 2019 India–Pakistan skirmishes | | conflict = 2019 India–Pakistan skirmishes | ||
| width = 420px | | width = 420px | ||
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| image_size = 300px | | image_size = 300px | ||
| caption = Map of ], showing the territory controlled by India and Pakistan in blue and green, respectively | | caption = Map of ], showing the territory controlled by India and Pakistan in blue and green, respectively | ||
| date = 14 February – 22 March 2019<br />(1 month and 6 days) |
| date = 14 February – 22 March 2019<br />(1 month and 6 days) | ||
| place = ] | | place = ] | ||
| map_type = | | map_type = | ||
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| strength3 = | | strength3 = | ||
| casualties1 = ]:{{plainlist| | | casualties1 = ]:{{plainlist| | ||
* 40–46 CRPF personnel killed<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-pakistan-aircraft-bombing-pulwama-kashmir-balakot-fighter-jets-attack-a8796946.html|title=Indian aircraft violate Pakistan airspace 'to conduct surgical strike'|date=26 February 2019|website=The Independent|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227090741/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-pakistan-aircraft-bombing-pulwama-kashmir-balakot-fighter-jets-attack-a8796946.html|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live |
* 40–46 CRPF personnel killed<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-pakistan-aircraft-bombing-pulwama-kashmir-balakot-fighter-jets-attack-a8796946.html|title=Indian aircraft violate Pakistan airspace 'to conduct surgical strike'|date=26 February 2019|website=The Independent|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227090741/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-pakistan-aircraft-bombing-pulwama-kashmir-balakot-fighter-jets-attack-a8796946.html|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47249133|title=India will 'completely isolate' Pakistan|date=15 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215232429/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47249133|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and 70 wounded<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pulwama-terror-attack-timeline-of-conflict-between-india-and-pakistan-1.1551170592587|title=Pulwama terror attack: Timeline of conflict between India and Pakistan|website=Gulf News|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226155424/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pulwama-terror-attack-timeline-of-conflict-between-india-and-pakistan-1.1551170592587|archive-date=26 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
---- | ---- | ||
{{plainlist| | {{plainlist| | ||
* 6 |
* 6 Indian Air Force personnel killed, including Squadron Leaders Siddharth Vashisht and Ninad Mandavgan(]),<ref name=defense-post>{{citation|title=India admits friendly fire downed Mi-17 helicopter in Kashmir|date=4 October 2019|location=Washington, DC|work=The Defense Post|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2019/10/04/india-mi-17-helicopter-kashmir-friendly-fire/|access-date=9 February 2021|last=AFP|quote=The Indian Air Force confirmed for the first time on Friday, October 4 that it shot down one of its own Mi-17 helicopters during clashes with Pakistan in February over Kashmir, killing all six on board.}}</ref> 7–12 soldiers wounded<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1090365/heavy-shelling-reported-on-india-pakistan-border-5-soldiers-injured|title=Heavy shelling reported on India-Pakistan border; 5 soldiers injured|first=The Statesman/Asia News|last=Network|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227112754/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1090365/heavy-shelling-reported-on-india-pakistan-border-5-soldiers-injured|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=tense/><ref name="voanews.com" /> | ||
* ] (later released)<ref name=Captured/> | * ] (later released)<ref name=Captured/> | ||
* 1 ] shot down<ref name="BBC News"/> | * 1 ] shot down<ref name="BBC News"/> | ||
* 1 ] helicopter shot down (])<ref name=defense-post/> | * 1 ] helicopter shot down (])<ref name=defense-post/> | ||
* 4 civilians killed<ref name="voanews.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/india-pakistan-again-shell-kashmir/4810490.html|title=Deadly Pakistan-India Border Skirmishes Continue in Kashmir|website=VOA|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302155937/https://www.voanews.com/a/india-pakistan-again-shell-kashmir/4810490.html|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live |
* 4 civilians killed<ref name="voanews.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/india-pakistan-again-shell-kashmir/4810490.html|title=Deadly Pakistan-India Border Skirmishes Continue in Kashmir|website=VOA|date=2 March 2019 |access-date=3 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302155937/https://www.voanews.com/a/india-pakistan-again-shell-kashmir/4810490.html|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
| casualties2 = | | casualties2 = | ||
| casualties3 = {{plainlist| | | casualties3 = {{plainlist| | ||
* 2 soldiers killed<ref>{{cite web |title=Kashmir: at least eight killed as India-Pakistan hostilities resume |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/02/kashmir-at-least-eight-killed-as-india-pakistan-hostilities-resume |website=The Guardian |access-date=2 March 2019 |date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302155133/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/02/kashmir-at-least-eight-killed-as-india-pakistan-hostilities-resume |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live |
* 2 soldiers killed<ref>{{cite web |title=Kashmir: at least eight killed as India-Pakistan hostilities resume |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/02/kashmir-at-least-eight-killed-as-india-pakistan-hostilities-resume |website=The Guardian |access-date=2 March 2019 |date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302155133/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/02/kashmir-at-least-eight-killed-as-india-pakistan-hostilities-resume |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
* 10–12 civilians killed<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|title=Jet downing raises India-Pakistan tension|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019| |
* 10–12 civilians killed<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|title=Jet downing raises India-Pakistan tension|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227074808/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="thenews.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/437606-four-martyred-in-indian-shelling-at-loc|title=Six martyred in Indian shelling at LoC|website=The News International|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227095551/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/437606-four-martyred-in-indian-shelling-at-loc|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="voanews.com" /> | ||
}} | }} | ||
| notes = | | notes = | ||
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}} | }} | ||
The '''2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes''' were a series of armed clashes consisting of cross-border ]s and exchanges of gunfire between ] and ] across the ] in the disputed ] region, which is subject to extensive ] by ].<ref>{{citation|title=Modi vows action after dozens die in deadliest attack in Indian-held Kashmir in 3 decades|author1=Joanna Slater|author2=Niha Masih| |
The '''2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes''' were a series of armed clashes consisting of cross-border ]s and exchanges of gunfire between ] and ] across the ] in the disputed ] region, which is subject to extensive ] by ].<ref>{{citation|title=Modi vows action after dozens die in deadliest attack in Indian-held Kashmir in 3 decades|author1=Joanna Slater|author2=Niha Masih|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=15 February 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217015242/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|archive-date=17 February 2019|url-status=live}} Quote: "Both India and Pakistan claim the Himalayan region of Kashmir, but it has been divided between them for more than 70 years."</ref> | ||
The heightened tensions stemmed from the ] in ], which killed 40 Indian ] personnel. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a ]-based militant group, ].<ref>{{ |
The heightened tensions stemmed from the ] in ], which killed 40 Indian ] personnel. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a ]-based militant group, ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Farooq |first2=Azhar |date=15 February 2019 |title=Dozens of Indian paramilitaries killed in Kashmir car bombing|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/indian-paramilitaries-killed-in-suicide-car-bombing-in-kashmir |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404033022/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/indian-paramilitaries-killed-in-suicide-car-bombing-in-kashmir |archive-date=4 April 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |quote=The Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the bombing. It said it was carried out by Adil Ahmad Dar, a locally recruited fighter from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The group released a video showing Dar delivering his will and a photograph of him surrounded by guns and grenades}}</ref><!-- I don't recall the specifics but was not this association later rebutted with JEM refusing any responsibility? --> India blamed Pakistan for the attack and promised a robust response, while the latter condemned the attack and denied having any connection to it.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Farooq |first2=Azhar |date=15 February 2019 |title=Dozens of Indian paramilitaries killed in Kashmir car bombing|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/indian-paramilitaries-killed-in-suicide-car-bombing-in-kashmir |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404033022/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/indian-paramilitaries-killed-in-suicide-car-bombing-in-kashmir |archive-date=4 April 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |quote=We will give a befitting reply, our neighbour will not be allowed to de-stabilise us", Modi said}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Abi-Habib |first1=Maria |last2=Yasir |first2=Sameer |last3=Kumar |first3=Hari |date=15 February 2019 |title=India Blames Pakistan for Attack in Kashmir, Promising a Response|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/world/asia/kashmir-attack-pulwama.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223135448/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/world/asia/kashmir-attack-pulwama.html |archive-date=23 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |quote=Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack, in which at least 40 Indian soldiers were killed Thursday when a driver slammed an explosives-packed vehicle into a paramilitary convoy.}}</ref> | ||
{{citation|author1=Maria Abi-Habib|title=India Blames Pakistan for Attack in Kashmir, Promising a Response|date=15 February 2019|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/world/asia/kashmir-attack-pulwama.html|df=dmy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223135448/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/world/asia/kashmir-attack-pulwama.html|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=23 February 2019|author2=Sameer Yasir|author3=Hari Kumar|newspaper=The New York Times|url-status=live}} Quote: "Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack, in which at least 40 Indian soldiers were killed Thursday when a driver slammed an explosives-packed vehicle into a paramilitary convoy." | |||
</ref> | |||
Twelve days later, in the early morning of 26 February 2019, ] near ], ], Pakistan.<ref name="slater1">{{citation|author=Joanna Slater|title=India strikes Pakistan in severe escalation of tensions between nuclear rivals|date=26 February 2019| |
Twelve days later, in the early morning of 26 February 2019, ] near ], ], Pakistan.<ref name="slater1">{{citation|author=Joanna Slater|title=India strikes Pakistan in severe escalation of tensions between nuclear rivals|date=26 February 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Zahra-Malik |first2=Mehreen |date=27 February 2019 |title='Get ready for our surprise': Pakistan warns India it will respond to airstrikes|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/26/pakistan-india-jets-breached-ceasefire-line-kashmir-bomb |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331102419/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/26/pakistan-india-jets-breached-ceasefire-line-kashmir-bomb |archive-date=31 March 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |quote=Pakistan, said the war planes made it up to five miles inside its territory}}</ref> | ||
], the first to announce the airstrike that same morning,<ref>{{ |
], the first to announce the airstrike that same morning,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Zahra-Malik |first2=Mehreen |date=27 February 2019 |title='Get ready for our surprise': Pakistan warns India it will respond to airstrikes|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/26/pakistan-india-jets-breached-ceasefire-line-kashmir-bomb |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331102419/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/26/pakistan-india-jets-breached-ceasefire-line-kashmir-bomb |archive-date=31 March 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |quote=Pakistan, which was the first to announce the incursion}}</ref> claimed that Indian warplanes had crossed the ] and dropped their payload in an uninhabited wooded hilltop area near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Abi-Habib |first1=Maria |last2=Ramzy |first2=Austin |date=26 February 2019 |title=Indian Jets Strike in Pakistan in Revenge for Kashmir Attack|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227012148/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html |archive-date=27 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |quote=A spokesman for Pakistan’s armed forces, Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor, on Tuesday posted on Twitter four images of a forested area pockmarked with small craters and debris, which he said was the site of Indian airstrikes.}}</ref> India, confirming the airstrike later that day, characterized it to be a ] directed against a ], and claimed that it had caused the deaths of a "large number" of terrorists.<ref name="mea-balakot">{{cite web |title=Statement by Foreign Secretary on 26 February 2019 on the Strike on JeM training camp at Balakot |url=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/31091/Statement_by_Foreign_Secretary_on_26_February_2019_on_the_Strike_on_JeM_training_camp_at_Balakot |website=mea.gov.in |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India |access-date=28 February 2019 |date=26 February 2019 |quote=a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227221920/https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl%2F31091%2FStatement_by_Foreign_Secretary_on_26_February_2019_on_the_Strike_on_JeM_training_camp_at_Balakot |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SlaterConstable2019"> | ||
⚫ | {{cite news |last1=Slater |first1=Joanna |last2=Constable |first2= Pamela |author2-link=Pamela Constable | ||
{{citation | |||
|title=Indian Jets Strike in Pakistan in Revenge for Kashmir Attack | |||
|author1=Maria Abi-Habib | |||
|author2=Austin Ramzy | |||
|newspaper=The New York Times | |||
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html | |||
|date=25 February 2019 | |||
|access-date=27 February 2019 | |||
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227012148/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html | |||
|archive-date=27 February 2019 | |||
|url-status=live | |||
|df=dmy-all | |||
}} Quote: "A spokesman for Pakistan’s armed forces, Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor, on Tuesday posted on Twitter four images of a forested area pockmarked with small craters and debris, which he said was the site of Indian airstrikes." | |||
</ref> India, confirming the airstrike later that day, characterized it to be a ] directed against a ], and claimed that it had caused the deaths of a "large number" of terrorists.<ref name="mea-balakot">{{cite web |title=Statement by Foreign Secretary on 26 February 2019 on the Strike on JeM training camp at Balakot |url=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/31091/Statement_by_Foreign_Secretary_on_26_February_2019_on_the_Strike_on_JeM_training_camp_at_Balakot |website=mea.gov.in |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India |access-date=28 February 2019 |date=26 February 2019 |quote=a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227221920/https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl%2F31091%2FStatement_by_Foreign_Secretary_on_26_February_2019_on_the_Strike_on_JeM_training_camp_at_Balakot |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="SlaterConstable2019"> | |||
⚫ | {{cite |
||
|title=Pakistan captures Indian pilot after shooting down aircraft, escalating hostilities |url=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 | |title=Pakistan captures Indian pilot after shooting down aircraft, escalating hostilities |url=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 | ||
⚫ | |newspaper=]|date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227172333/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 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
|work=] |language=en | |||
⚫ | |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227172333/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 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live |
||
The ], a retaliatory one by Pakistan,<ref>{{ |
The ], a retaliatory one by Pakistan,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kazmin |first=Amy |date=1 March 2019 |title=India and Pakistan engage in a high-stakes game of brinkmanship |work=Financial Times|location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/3705ee32-3c17-11e9-b856-5404d3811663 |url-access=subscription |access-date=1 July 2023 |quote=A day after India’s strike, Pakistan retaliated, sending planes to attack military installations in India.}}</ref> was conducted in the daytime on 27 February, inside Indian-administered Kashmir. A ] between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets during this airstrike resulted in the downing of an Indian ] by the ], following which its pilot, ] ], was taken prisoner by the Pakistani military before being returned to India on 1 March.<ref name=slater-constable>{{citation|title=Pakistan captures Indian pilot after shooting down aircraft, escalating hostilities|author1=Joanna Slater |author2=Pamela Constable|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=27 February 2019}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last1=Gettleman |first1=Jeffrey |last2=Kumar |first2=Hari |last3=Yasir |first3=Sameer |date=2 March 2019 |title=Deadly Shelling Erupts in Kashmir Between India and Pakistan After Pilot Is Freed|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/world/asia/kashmir-shelling-india-pakistan.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042824/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/world/asia/kashmir-shelling-india-pakistan.html |archive-date=6 March 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{citation|author1=Joanna Slater|title=Pakistan captures Indian pilot after shooting down aircraft, escalating hostilities|date=27 February 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pakistan-says-indian-fighter-jets-crossed-into-its-territory-and-carried-out-limited-airstrike/2019/02/25/901f3000-3979-11e9-a06c-3ec8ed509d15_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315093125/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pakistan-says-indian-fighter-jets-crossed-into-its-territory-and-carried-out-limited-airstrike/2019/02/25/901f3000-3979-11e9-a06c-3ec8ed509d15_story.html|access-date=30 March 2019|archive-date=15 March 2019|author2=Pamela Constable|url-status=live}} Quote: The two days of tit-for-tat airstrikes ... the first since 1971, were triggered by a 14 Feb terrorist bombing in Indian-controlled Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel."</ref> | ||
On the same hours of PAF retaliatory strikes on 27 February 2019, an Indian ] helicopter was brought down by ] in which all IAF airmen on board were killed, including Squadron Leaders Siddharth Vashisht and Ninad Mandavgan.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=1 June 2019 |title=How did an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter get shot down by the IAF? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/how-did-an-indian-air-force-mi-17-helicopter-get-shot-down-by-the-iaf/article27400844.ece |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> IAF Chief ] acknowledged IAF's failure only a year latter on 4 October 2019, terming friendly fire as "a big mistake".<ref name="auto7">{{Cite news |last=Correspondent |first=Special |date=4 October 2019 |title=Shooting down of Mi-17 was a big mistake, admits IAF chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shooting-down-our-own-chopper-big-mistake-says-iaf-chief/article29593737.ece |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="auto4"/> Resultantly Group Captain Suman Roy Choudhry Chief Operations Officers (COO) of ] was dismissed from his service in 2023.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web |title=Balakot shooting down of chopper: Why IAF panel recommended court martial of Group Captain |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/balakot-shooting-down-of-chopper-iaf-panel-court-martial-group-captain-2358893-2023-04-12 |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=India Today|date=12 April 2023 }}</ref> | |||
Aftermath analysis of open-source ] by the American ]'s Digital Forensics Laboratory,<ref name=Atlantic-Countil-DFL> | Aftermath analysis of open-source ] by the American ]'s Digital Forensics Laboratory,<ref name=Atlantic-Countil-DFL> | ||
{{citation|title=Surgical Strike in Pakistan a Botched Operation? Indian jets carried out a strike against JEM targets inside Pakistani territory, to questionable effect|author=@DFRLab|date=28 February 2019|url=https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24|journal=Medium|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304154449/https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24|archive-date=4 March 2019|url-status=live |
{{citation|title=Surgical Strike in Pakistan a Botched Operation? Indian jets carried out a strike against JEM targets inside Pakistani territory, to questionable effect|author=@DFRLab|date=28 February 2019|url=https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24|journal=Medium|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304154449/https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24|archive-date=4 March 2019|url-status=live}} Quote: "Indian fighter jets carried out strikes against targets inside undisputed Pakistani territory, but open-source evidence suggested that the strike was unsuccessful." | ||
⚫ | </ref> ]-based ],<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Howell |first1=Martin |last2=Doyle |first2=Gerry |last3=Scarr |first3=Simon |date=6 March 2019 |title=Satellite images show buildings still standing at Indian bombing site|work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-airstrike-insi-idUSKCN1QN00V |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316082151/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-airstrike-insi/satellite-images-show-buildings-still-standing-at-indian-bombing-site-idUSKCN1QN00V |archive-date=16 March 2019 |quote=The images produced by Planet Labs Inc, a San Francisco-based private satellite operator, show at least six buildings on the madrasa site on March 4, six days after the airstrike. There are no discernible holes in the roofs of buildings, no signs of scorching, blown-out walls, displaced trees around the madrasa or other signs of an aerial attack.}}</ref> European Space Imaging<ref>{{citation|title=PAKISTAN: Satellite Imagery confirms India missed target in Pakistan airstrike|date=8 March 2019|author=European Space Imaging|url=https://www.euspaceimaging.com/pakistan-satellite-imagery-confirms-india-missed-target-in-pakistan-airstrike/|access-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327172447/https://www.euspaceimaging.com/pakistan-satellite-imagery-confirms-india-missed-target-in-pakistan-airstrike/|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=live}} Quote: " ... said Managing Director Adrian Zevenbergen. '... The image captured with Worldiew-2 of the buildings in question shows no evidence of a bombing having occurred. There are no signs of scorching, no large distinguishable holes in the roofs of buildings and no signs of stress to the surrounding vegetation.' "</ref> and the ]<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hellyer |first1=Marcus |last2=Ruser |first2=Nathan |last3=Bachhawat |first3=Aakriti |date=27 March 2019 |title=India's strike on Balakot: a very precise miss? |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/indias-strike-on-balakot-a-very-precise-miss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412064021/https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/indias-strike-on-balakot-a-very-precise-miss/ |archive-date=12 April 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=The Strategist|quote=But India’s recent air strike on a purported Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist camp in Balakot in Pakistan on 26 February suggests that precision strike is still an art and science that requires both practice and enabling systems to achieve the intended effect. Simply buying precision munitions off the shelf is not enough.}}</ref> concluded that India did not hit any targets of significance on the Jaba hilltop site near Balakot in Pakistan.<ref name=WaPo1>{{citation|author1=Sameer Lalwani|author2=Emily Tallo|title=Did India shoot down a Pakistani F-16 in February? This just became a big deal.|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=17 April 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/04/17/did-india-shoot-down-pakistani-f-back-february-this-just-became-big-deal/}} Quote: " Open-source satellite imagery suggests India did not hit any targets of consequence in the airstrikes it conducted after the terrorist attack on the paramilitaries.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Zahra-Malik |first2=Mehreen |date=5 March 2019 |title=Kashmir's fog of war: how conflicting accounts benefit both sides|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/05/kashmir-fog-of-war-how-conflicting-accounts-benefit-india-pakistan |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305122254/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/05/kashmir-fog-of-war-how-conflicting-accounts-benefit-india-pakistan |archive-date=5 March 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |quote=Analysis of open-source satellite imagery has also cast doubt on India’s claims. A report by the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab was able to geolocate the site of the attack and provide a preliminary damage assessment. It compared satellite images from the days before and after India’s strike and concluded there were only impacts in the wooded areas with no damage visible to surrounding structures.}}</ref> | ||
</ref> ]-based ],<ref name=reuters-balakot-3-8-19> | |||
{{citation|date=6 March 2019|title=Satellite images show buildings still standing at Indian bombing site|author=Martin Howell|author2=Gerry Doyle|author3=Simon Scarr|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-airstrike-insi/satellite-images-show-buildings-still-standing-at-indian-bombing-site-idUSKCN1QN00V|access-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316082151/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-airstrike-insi/satellite-images-show-buildings-still-standing-at-indian-bombing-site-idUSKCN1QN00V|archive-date=16 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Quote: "The images produced by Planet Labs Inc, a San Francisco-based private satellite operator, show at least six buildings on the madrasa site on March 4, six days after the airstrike. | |||
⚫ | On 10 April 2019, one and a half months later, a group of international journalists, who were taken to the Jaba hilltop in a tightly controlled trip arranged by the ], although unable to make a knowledgeable evaluation,<ref name="reuters-11april-inconclusive">{{Cite news |last1=Howell |first1=Martin |last2=Salahuddin |date=11 April 2019 |title=Inside the Pakistani madrasa where India said it killed hundreds of 'terrorists'|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-madrasa-idUSKCN1RN0XT |access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{Cite news |last=Heanue |first=Siobhan |date=13 April 2019 |title=School or terror training camp? The madrasa that brought the world closer to nuclear war|publisher=ABC News|location=United States |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-14/india-pakistan-tensions-the-remote-school-at-centre-of-dispute/10996826 |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413195826/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-14/india-pakistan-tensions-the-remote-school-at-centre-of-dispute/10996826 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |quote=It was at the centre of a clash that almost brought two nuclear nations to war, but exactly what goes on inside a small madrasa on a hilltop near Kashmir remains a mystery. One thing is clear: India's claim that it destroyed a militant training camp and killed more than 300 extremists cannot be backed up by the evidence. More than a month after India launched airstrikes inside Pakistan in retaliation for a militant attack that killed 40 paramilitary troops in Kashmir, foreign media have been allowed to see the areas hit.}}</ref> found the largest building there to show no evidence of damage or recent rebuilding efforts.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Howell |first1=Martin |last2=Salahuddin |date=11 April 2019 |title=Inside the Pakistani madrasa where India said it killed hundreds of 'terrorists'|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-madrasa-idUSKCN1RN0XT |access-date=1 July 2023 |quote=Those visiting the site on Wednesday didn't see any signs that there had been significant building work to either clear structures or erect new ones. And the vegetation didn't appear to have suffered the stress that might be expected from a missile attack. The main madrasa building itself doesn't appear to be reinforced in any major way – it has a metal roof with some modest wooden beams.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 April 2019 |title=Balakot air strike: Pakistan shows off disputed site on eve of India election|publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47882354 |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411163315/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47882354 |archive-date=11 April 2019 |quote=They were given access to an Islamic school in Balakot, where Indian media say militants were killed in retaliation for an attack in Kashmir. The large building appeared to be fully intact}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2019 |title=Pakistan takes media, diplomats on visit to Indian strike site |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190411-pakistan-takes-media-diplomats-visit-indian-strike-site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419094356/https://www.france24.com/en/20190411-pakistan-takes-media-diplomats-visit-indian-strike-site |archive-date=19 April 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |publisher=France 24|quote=International outlets which visited the Indian air strike site in Pakistan found no evidence of a major terrorist training camp -- or of any infrastructure damage at all.}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/> | ||
... There are no discernible holes in the roofs of buildings, no signs of scorching, blown-out walls, displaced trees around the madrasa or other signs of an aerial attack." | |||
⚫ | </ref> European Space Imaging<ref>{{citation|title=PAKISTAN: Satellite Imagery confirms India missed target in Pakistan airstrike|date=March |
||
The US count of PAF's F-16 fleet confirmed PAF lost no aircraft during its dogfight with IAF.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Strategic Implications of India's Illiberalism and Democratic Erosion |url=https://www.nbr.org/publication/the-strategic-implications-of-indias-illiberalism-and-democratic-erosion/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR)}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Seligman |first=Lara |date=28 February 2024 |title=Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No. |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=Foreign Policy}}</ref> The claim of IAF of shooting down a F-16 was also rejected by various international observers.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |title=IAF Did Not Shoot Down Pak F-16 in Balakot Aftermath, Says US Scholar Christine Fair |url=https://thewire.in/security/christine-fair-iaf-balakot-pakistan-f16 |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=The Wire}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | On 10 April 2019, one and a half months later, a group of international journalists, who were taken to the Jaba hilltop in a tightly controlled trip arranged by the ], although unable to make a knowledgeable evaluation,<ref name="reuters-11april-inconclusive">{{ |
||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
{{See also|Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|Kashmir conflict}} | {{See also|Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|Kashmir conflict}} | ||
India and Pakistan have long been at odds with each other, having engaged in several wars, conflicts, and military standoffs. The roots of the continued tension are complex, but have centred mainly around the erstwhile princely state of ]. After the 1947 ], the newly formed independent states of Pakistan and India squabbled over it, which led to the ] and a subsequent sharing of the state. The settlement was non-agreeable to both the parties and since then, this had become an ongoing intractable issue leading to a |
India and Pakistan have long been at odds with each other, having engaged in several wars, conflicts, and military standoffs. The roots of the continued tension are complex, but have centred mainly around the erstwhile princely state of ]. After the 1947 ], the newly formed independent states of Pakistan and India squabbled over it, which led to the ] and a subsequent sharing of the state. The settlement was non-agreeable to both the parties and since then, this had become an ongoing intractable issue leading to a ]. The nations also partook in another war in ] which led to the formation of Bangladesh. Both countries developed nuclear weapons in the 1990s and this had a sobering effect on the next major conflict {{En dash}} the ].<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1399992/A-brief-history-of-the-Kashmir-conflict.html|title= A brief history of the Kashmir conflict|journal= The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date= 24 September 2001|access-date= 2 March 2019|issn= 0307-1235|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190108075331/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1399992/A-brief-history-of-the-Kashmir-conflict.html|archive-date= 8 January 2019|url-status= live}}</ref> | ||
As of now, the ] demarcates the areas of administration: Pakistan administers the ] of the line; India administers the ].<ref name="nytimes0305">{{Cite news| |
As of now, the ] demarcates the areas of administration: Pakistan administers the ] of the line; India administers the ].<ref name="nytimes0305">{{Cite news |last=Engle |first=Jeremy |date=6 March 2019 |title=Learning With: 'Why Do India and Pakistan Keep Fighting Over Kashmir?'|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/learning/learning-with-why-do-india-and-pakistan-keep-fighting-over-kashmir.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701150737/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/learning/learning-with-why-do-india-and-pakistan-keep-fighting-over-kashmir.html |archive-date=1 July 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Since 1989, a ] has raged in Indian-administered Kashmir, driven by a desire for either independence or union with Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 February 2019 |title=Why India and Pakistan dispute Kashmir|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10537286 |url-status=live |access-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224045738/https://www.bbc.com/news/10537286 |archive-date=24 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Future of Kashmir? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/6.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118091301/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/6.stm |archive-date=18 November 2018 |access-date=6 March 2019 |publisher=BBC }}</ref> The ] has stated Pakistan was providing material support to the militants<ref>{{citation|author1=Joanna Slater|title=Modi vows action after dozens die in deadliest attack in Indian-held Kashmir in 3 decades|date=15 February 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217015242/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=17 February 2019|author2=Niha Masih|url-status=live}} Quote: "India and the United States accuse Pakistan of supporting and sheltering militants who launch attacks into Indian-held territory, something Pakistan denies."</ref> and stated India was committing human rights violations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zutshi |first=Chitralekha |date=5 March 2019 |title=Why the Kashmir conflict is not just an India-Pakistan border dispute |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/why-the-kashmir-conflict-is-not-just-an-india-pakistan-border-dispute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305231154/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/why-the-kashmir-conflict-is-not-just-an-india-pakistan-border-dispute |archive-date=5 March 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=PBS NewsHour}}</ref> | ||
The standoff occurred ahead of the ].<ref> |
The standoff occurred ahead of the ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Perrigo |first=Billy |date=26 February 2019 |title=What to Know About Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan |url=https://time.com/5538756/india-pakistan-kashmir-tensions-airstrikes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228031451/http://time.com/5538756/india-pakistan-kashmir-tensions-airstrikes/ |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |magazine=Time}}</ref><ref name="Kumar">{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Nikhil |date=27 February 2019 |title=Why being seen as tough on Pakistan helps India's Modi |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/26/india/india-pakistan-kashmir-analysis-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226183258/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/26/india/india-pakistan-kashmir-analysis-intl/index.html |archive-date=26 February 2019}}</ref> After the Pulwama attack, Pakistan's PM attributed Indian government's desire to retaliate against Pakistan to the upcoming election.<ref name=bbc/><ref> | ||
{{cite web| |
{{cite web |date=19 February 2019 |title=Pakistan will address actionable evidence if shared by Delhi, PM Khan tells India after Pulwama attack |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1464783 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224101859/https://www.dawn.com/news/1464783 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |access-date=26 February 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}} | ||
</ref> The Indian government rejected the allegation.<ref name=bbc> | </ref> The Indian government rejected the allegation.<ref name=bbc> | ||
{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47290107|title=Pakistan warns India against attacking| |
{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47290107|title=Pakistan warns India against attacking|publisher=BBC News|date=19 February 2019|access-date=26 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223090151/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47290107|archive-date=23 February 2019|url-status=live}} | ||
</ref> Many analysts have stated that a military response to Pakistan would improve the electoral prospects of India's ruling party.<ref> |
</ref> Many analysts have stated that a military response to Pakistan would improve the electoral prospects of India's ruling party.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Gramer |first1=Robbie |last2=Seligman |first2=Lara |date=27 February 2019 |title=Amid Re-Election Campaign, Modi Takes the Fight to Pakistan |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/02/27/india-kashmir-airstrikes-jem-battling-for-re-election-modi-takes-the-fight-to-pakistan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228114926/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/02/27/india-kashmir-airstrikes-jem-battling-for-re-election-modi-takes-the-fight-to-pakistan/ |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=Foreign Policy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Biswas |first=Soutik |date=6 March 2019 |title='War' and India PM Modi's muscular strongman image|publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47439101 |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306184357/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47439101 |archive-date=6 March 2019}}</ref><ref name=Kumar/><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Das |first1=Krishna N. |last2=Ghoshal |first2=Devjyot |date=26 February 2019 |title=Air strike on Pakistan sparks celebrations in India, seen boosting Modi support|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-election-idUSKCN1QF1H1 |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306063501/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-election/air-strike-on-pakistan-sparks-celebrations-in-india-seen-boosting-modi-support-idUSKCN1QF1H1 |archive-date=6 March 2019}}</ref> | ||
==Military events== | ==Military events== | ||
Line 117: | Line 101: | ||
===Pulwama attack=== | ===Pulwama attack=== | ||
{{Main|2019 Pulwama attack}} | {{Main|2019 Pulwama attack}} | ||
The 2019 India–Pakistan military standoff was a result of<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47370608|title=Viewpoint: India strikes in Pakistan a major escalation|date=26 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019| |
The 2019 India–Pakistan military standoff was a result of<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47370608|title=Viewpoint: India strikes in Pakistan a major escalation|date=26 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227061938/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47370608|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> a militant attack in February 2019, when a ] (CRPF) convoy carrying security personnel on the ] was attacked by a ] at ] in the ], ], India. Over 40 CRPF personnel and the perpetrator were killed in the attack, which ] took responsibility for. The attacker was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, a militant from Jammu and Kashmir, and a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pulwama Attack 2019, everything about J&K terror attack on CRPF by terrorist Adil Ahmed Dar, Jaish-e-Mohammad |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pulwama-attack-2019-everything-about-jammu-and-kashmir-terror-attack-on-crpf-by-terrorist-adil-ahmed-dar-jaish-e-mohammad-1457530-2019-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218104624/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pulwama-attack-2019-everything-about-jammu-and-kashmir-terror-attack-on-crpf-by-terrorist-adil-ahmed-dar-jaish-e-mohammad-1457530-2019-02-16 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=India Today|date=16 February 2019 }}</ref> This was the deadliest attack on Indian forces in Kashmir since 1989.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 February 2019 |title=Deadliest Kashmir militant attack on troops|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47240660 |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301102835/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47240660 |archive-date=1 March 2019 }}</ref> | ||
===Balakot airstrike=== | ===Balakot airstrike=== | ||
{{Main|2019 Balakot airstrike}} | {{Main|2019 Balakot airstrike}} | ||
On 26 February 2019, the ] conducted airstrikes at ] in Pakistan. The strikes were subsequently stated to be "non-military" and "preemptive" in nature; targeting a ] facility within Pakistan. The Indian government stated that the airstrike was in retaliation to the ] and that "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis" were eliminated who were preparing for launching another suicide attack targeting Indian assets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/iaf-struck-jems-biggest-training-camp-at-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-on-indias-operation-in-pakistan-6154411.html|title=IAF struck 'JeM's biggest training camp' at Balakot, says Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on India's operation in Pakistan|website=Firstpost|date=26 February 2019|access-date=2019 |
On 26 February 2019, the ] conducted airstrikes at ] in Pakistan. The strikes were subsequently stated to be "non-military" and "preemptive" in nature; targeting a ] facility within Pakistan. The Indian government stated that the airstrike was in retaliation to the ] and that "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis" were eliminated who were preparing for launching another suicide attack targeting Indian assets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/iaf-struck-jems-biggest-training-camp-at-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-on-indias-operation-in-pakistan-6154411.html|title=IAF struck 'JeM's biggest training camp' at Balakot, says Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on India's operation in Pakistan|website=Firstpost|date=26 February 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140256/https://www.firstpost.com/india/iaf-struck-jems-biggest-training-camp-at-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-on-indias-operation-in-pakistan-6154411.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Indian media reported to have confirmed from official sources that twelve ] jets were involved in the operation and that they struck multiple militant camps in ], ] and ] operated by ], ] and ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/surgical-strike-on-pakistan-exact-target-of-iaf-operation-identified-as-jaba-top-air-force-carried-out-several-hits-around-site-6154391.html|title=Surgical strike on Pakistan: Exact target of IAF operation identified as Jaba Top; air force carried out several hits around site|website=Firstpost|date=26 February 2019|access-date= |
Indian media reported to have confirmed from official sources that twelve ] jets were involved in the operation and that they struck multiple militant camps in ], ] and ] operated by ], ] and ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/surgical-strike-on-pakistan-exact-target-of-iaf-operation-identified-as-jaba-top-air-force-carried-out-several-hits-around-site-6154391.html|title=Surgical strike on Pakistan: Exact target of IAF operation identified as Jaba Top; air force carried out several hits around site|website=Firstpost|date=26 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228003539/https://www.firstpost.com/india/surgical-strike-on-pakistan-exact-target-of-iaf-operation-identified-as-jaba-top-air-force-carried-out-several-hits-around-site-6154391.html|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> killing about 350 militants. The exact figures varied across media-houses.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Chacko |first=Johann |date=1 March 2019 |title=Both India and Pakistan may be lying, and that may breed worse disasters |url=https://qz.com/india/1563323/india-pakistan-lying-on-balakot-jem-will-breed-disaster/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152537/https://qz.com/india/1563323/india-pakistan-lying-on-balakot-jem-will-breed-disaster/ |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |website=Quartz India}}</ref> | ||
Pakistani officials acknowledged the intrusion of Indian aircraft into the country's airspace but rejected the statements about the results. They stated that the Indian jets were intercepted and that the payloads were dropped in unpopulated areas and resulted in no casualties or infrastructural damage.<ref name="BBC26Feb">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366718 |
Pakistani officials acknowledged the intrusion of Indian aircraft into the country's airspace but rejected the statements about the results. They stated that the Indian jets were intercepted and that the payloads were dropped in unpopulated areas and resulted in no casualties or infrastructural damage.<ref name="BBC26Feb">{{cite news |date=26 February 2019 |title=Indian strikes target militants in Pakistan |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366718 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226193007/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366718 |archive-date=26 February 2019 }}</ref> ], the Pakistani Defence Minister, stated that the Pakistani Air Force did not retaliate at that time because "they could not gauge the extent of the damage".<ref name="Anderson2019">{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Claire |title=Pakistan defence minister mocked after saying it was 'Too Dark' for airstrike retaliation |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1092994/pakistan-india-airstrike-latest-news-Kashmir-terror-attack-nuclear |work=] |access-date=28 February 2019|date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228065741/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1092994/pakistan-india-airstrike-latest-news-Kashmir-terror-attack-nuclear |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
'']'' stated that the area around Balakot had been cordoned off by the Pakistan Army and evidences such as the dead bodies were being cleared from the area.<ref name="BT_26_feb">{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/ |
'']'' stated that the area around Balakot had been cordoned off by the Pakistan Army and evidences such as the dead bodies were being cleared from the area.<ref name="BT_26_feb">{{cite news |date=26 February 2019 |title=Pakistan trying to hide dead bodies of terrorists in Balakot, debunks India's claims: Source |work=Business Today |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/pakistan-trying-to-hide-dead-body-of-terrorists-in-balakot-tries-to-debunk-india-claims-source-171684-2019-02-2622532.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301080433/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/pakistan-trying-to-hide-dead-body-of-terrorists-in-balakot-tries-to-debunk-india-claims-source/story/322532.html |archive-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> ] writing for ] said that Indian intelligence estimated a figure of about 20 casualties and that there were five confirmed kills per burial records.<ref name="firstpost0302">{{Cite web |last=Swami |first=Praveen |date=1 March 2019 |title=Property records nail Pakistani lie on Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ in Bahawalpur, finds Firstpost investigation |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/property-records-nail-pakistani-lie-on-jaish-e-mohammed-hq-in-bahawalpur-finds-firstpost-investigation-6177441.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306053543/https://www.firstpost.com/india/property-records-nail-pakistani-lie-on-jaish-e-mohammed-hq-in-bahawalpur-finds-firstpost-investigation-6177441.html |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> He also said there was a JeM rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on 28 February, wherein ]'s brother, Abdul Rauf Rasheed Alvi mentioned India's attack of their headquarters and vowed revenge.<ref name="firstpost0302" /> In another piece he stated that RAW analysts estimated 90 casualties including three Pakistani Army trainers, based on intercepted communications.<ref name=":1" /> Swami also said there was a lack of witness testimony to independently assess the validity of above statements.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
This airstrike was the first time since the ] that aerial attacks had been carried out across the Line of Control.<ref name=":1" /> | This airstrike was the first time since the ] that aerial attacks had been carried out across the Line of Control.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
Villagers from the area said that four bombs struck a nearby forest and a field resulting in damage to a building and injuring a local man around 3:00 |
Villagers from the area said that four bombs struck a nearby forest and a field resulting in damage to a building and injuring a local man around 3:00 am.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919080/1-no-blood-no-bodies-no-debris-no-tragedy/|title=No blood. No bodies. No debris. No tragedy|date=27 February 2019|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227234154/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919080/1-no-blood-no-bodies-no-debris-no-tragedy/|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last1=Shahzad |first1=Asif |last2=Naqash |first2=Abu Arqam |date=1 March 2019 |title=Pakistani village asks: Where are bodies of militants India says it bombed?|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-village-idUSKCN1QH298 |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302111622/https://in.reuters.com/article/india-kashmir-village-idINKCN1QH29B |archive-date=2 March 2019}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |date=28 February 2019 |title=At raid site, no casualties and a mysterious school |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/indian-air-raid-site-casualties-mysterious-madrassa-190227183058957.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228140436/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/indian-air-raid-site-casualties-mysterious-madrassa-190227183058957.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 28 February 2019, Pakistani ] reporters Asif Shahzad, Abu Arqam Naqash reported that the structure and its vicinity (of the bomb site) to be intact from the rear,<ref name=":2" /> however on 8 March 2019, the Reuters media team was prevented for third time from climbing hill to the closely guarded madrasa site in Balakot.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2019 |title=Reuters team prevented for third time from climbing hill to madrasa site in Balakot|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-denies-reuters-access-to-madarasa-targetted-by-iaf/article26471697.ece |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331224442/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-denies-reuters-access-to-madarasa-targetted-by-iaf/article26471697.ece |archive-date=31 March 2019 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
Some diplomats and analysts have raised doubts about the efficacy of the strike, stating that the terrorist groups along the border would have vacated the area, after the Indian Prime Minister vowed to retaliate against the Pulwama attack.<ref>{{ |
Some diplomats and analysts have raised doubts about the efficacy of the strike, stating that the terrorist groups along the border would have vacated the area, after the Indian Prime Minister vowed to retaliate against the Pulwama attack.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Abi-Habib |first1=Maria |last2=Ramzy |first2=Austin |date=26 February 2019 |title=Indian Jets Strike in Pakistan in Revenge for Kashmir Attack|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527130621/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html |archive-date=27 May 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The local people varied as to the purpose of the facility.<ref name=":3" /> Whilst some stated it being an active Jaish training camp, others stated it to have been a mere school for the local kids and that such militant camps had used to exist far earlier.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> Satellite-data analysis by Nathan Ruser, from the ] said there was an absence of any apparent evidence to verify Indian statements.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruser |first=Nathan |date=1 March 2019 |title=Did Balakot Airstrikes Hit Their Target? Satellite Imagery Raises Doubts |url=https://thewire.in/security/balakot-airstrikes-india-pakistan-satellite-images |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152240/https://thewire.in/security/balakot-airstrikes-india-pakistan-satellite-images |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref name=cnbctv18>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/eyewitnesses-say-indian-air-strike-on-balakot-killed-dozens-of-terrorists-including-former-isi-agents-2465611.htm|title=Eyewitnesses say Indian air strike on Balakot killed terrorists, former ISI agents|website=cnbctv18.com|date=2 March 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043807/https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/eyewitnesses-say-indian-air-strike-on-balakot-killed-dozens-of-terrorists-including-former-isi-agents-2465611.htm|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Michael Sheldon, a digital forensics analyst at the ], did an independent investigation on the issue, in which he said that no damage was caused to any infrastructure around the target site. He concluded that "something appears to have gone wrong in the targeting process", which was mysterious in light of the autonomous nature of the missiles reportedly used.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Zahra-Malik |first2=Mehreen |date=5 March 2019 |title=Kashmir's fog of war: how conflicting accounts benefit both sides|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/05/kashmir-fog-of-war-how-conflicting-accounts-benefit-india-pakistan |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305122254/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/05/kashmir-fog-of-war-how-conflicting-accounts-benefit-india-pakistan |archive-date=5 March 2019 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2019 |title=Surgical Strike in Pakistan a Botched Operation? |url=https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304154449/https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24 |archive-date=4 March 2019 |access-date=5 March 2019 |website=DFRLab}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Joanna |date=1 March 2019 |title=In crisis with Pakistan, India's Modi keeps eye on elections |newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/modi-india-no-longer-helpless-in-face-of-terror-after-crisis-with-pakistan/2019/03/01/31d6667c-3c20-11e9-b786-d6abcbcd212a_story.html|url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306084810/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/modi-india-no-longer-helpless-in-face-of-terror-after-crisis-with-pakistan/2019/03/01/31d6667c-3c20-11e9-b786-d6abcbcd212a_story.html |archive-date=6 March 2019}}</ref> However, Pakistan had to close the site for one and a half month or 43 days before opened to foreign delegates and media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gurung |first=Shaurya Karanbir |date=29 March 2019 |title=A month after Indian air strike, Pakistan takes journalists to Balakot site |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/a-month-after-indian-air-strike-pakistan-takes-journalists-to-balakot-site/articleshow/68636173.cms |website=The Economic Times }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1475189|title=Foreign journalists given access to madressah near site of Balakot strike|date=10 April 2019|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistan-takes-media-to-balakot-air-strike-site-curtails-interactions-2096733.html|title=43 Days After Balakot Air Strike by IAF, Pakistan Takes Media Team And Diplomats to 'Site'|date=10 April 2019|website=News18}}</ref> | ||
The Indian officials stated that ] showed that four buildings had been destroyed.<ref name="cnbctv18" /> Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor of the Indian Air Force said on 28 February 2019 that though it was "premature" to provide details about the casualties, they had "fairly credible evidence" of the damage inflicted on the camp by the air strikes.<ref name=":2" /> | The Indian officials stated that ] showed that four buildings had been destroyed.<ref name="cnbctv18" /> Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor of the Indian Air Force said on 28 February 2019 that though it was "premature" to provide details about the casualties, they had "fairly credible evidence" of the damage inflicted on the camp by the air strikes.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
In April 2019, ] ] officially revealed that no Pakistani soldier or civilian was hurt in Balakot air raids.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=18 April 2019 |title=No Pak. soldier or civilian died in Balakot: Sushma Swaraj |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-pak-soldier-or-civilian-died-in-balakot/article61560652.ece |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2019 |title=No Pakistan soldier or citizen died in Balakot air strike, says Sushma Swaraj |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/no-pakistan-soldier-or-citizen-died-in-balakot-air-strike-says-sushma-swaraj-3004951.htm |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=CNBCTV18}}</ref> | |||
===Border skirmishes=== | ===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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heavy firing by Pakistan along LoC, Army strongly retaliates |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/heavy-firing-by-pakistan-along-loc-army-strongly-retaliates/story-KmTBaM2e26NGJPw4YXKAYI.html |access-date=26 February 2019 |work=Hindustan Times |
Heavy skirmishes between Pakistani and Indian forces occurred along the Line of Control on 26 February, with small arms and mortar fire being exchanged.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heavy firing by Pakistan along LoC, Army strongly retaliates |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/heavy-firing-by-pakistan-along-loc-army-strongly-retaliates/story-KmTBaM2e26NGJPw4YXKAYI.html |access-date=26 February 2019 |work=Hindustan Times|date=26 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226175021/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/heavy-firing-by-pakistan-along-loc-army-strongly-retaliates/story-KmTBaM2e26NGJPw4YXKAYI.html |archive-date=26 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Pakistani officials reported that at least four civilians were killed, and eleven were wounded.<ref name=dawn>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466171|title=4 AJK civilians dead, 11 wounded in 'indiscriminate' Indian shelling across LoC|first=Tariq|last=Naqash|date=27 February 2019|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227095047/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466171|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Naqash |first1=Abu Arqam |last2=Miglani |first2=Sanjeev |date=26 February 2019 |title=India launches air strike in Pakistan; Islamabad denies militant camp hit|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan/india-launches-air-strike-inside-pakistan-islamabad-denies-militant-camp-hit-idUSKCN1QF07B |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226171744/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan/india-launches-air-strike-inside-pakistan-islamabad-denies-militant-camp-hit-idUSKCN1QF07B |archive-date=26 February 2019}}</ref> A 55-year-old woman and her two children were killed in the ] sector. In the Khuiratta sector, a 40-year-old woman was killed.<ref name="dawn" /> | ||
Throughout 27 February, heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces continued along the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www. |
Throughout 27 February, heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces continued along the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=India-Pakistan reportedly exchange heavy fire on Line of Control – USD/INR may extend gains |url=https://www.forexcrunch.com/india-pakistan-reportedly-exchange-heavy-fire-on-line-of-control-usd-inr-may-extend-gains/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227194659/https://www.fxstreet.com/news/india-pakistan-reportedly-exchange-heavy-fire-on-line-of-control-usd-inr-may-extend-gains-201902271402 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=FXStreet|date=27 February 2019 }}</ref> Ten Indian soldiers were injured along with two residential houses being destroyed in the skirmishes.<ref name="tense">{{cite news |title=J&K: Pakistan army uses tanks on LoC in Sialkot sector, situation tense, say sources |newspaper=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-pakistan-army-tanks-loc-sialkot-sector-situation-tense-sources-1465911-2019-02-27 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130304/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-pakistan-army-tanks-loc-sialkot-sector-situation-tense-sources-1465911-2019-02-27 |archive-date=28 February 2019 }}</ref> The Pakistani Army stated that on 1 March, two of its soldiers were killed by firing from the Indian Army at the Line of Control.<ref name="ChicagoTribune">{{cite web |last1=Mughal |first1=Roshan |last2=Hussain |first2=Aijaz |date=2 March 2019 |title=8 killed in India-Pakistan fighting after return of downed Indian fighter pilot |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-india-pakistan-kashmir-20190302-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302215616/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-india-pakistan-kashmir-20190302-story.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=3 March 2019 |work=]}}</ref> Shelling across the Line of Control reportedly killed a ] woman and her two sons after a shell landed on their home, with another civilian being critically wounded.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-03 |title=India, Pakistan resume shelling along volatile Kashmir border |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190303-india-pakistan-shelling-kashmir-border |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> On 6 and 7 March, Pakistani and Indian forces exchanged heavy artillery fire along the line of control, with Pakistani forces using 130 mm and 105 mm artillery and 120 mm mortars.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes">{{cite news |last1=Gurung |first1=Shaurya Karanbir |title=Army uses Bofors guns to respond to border shelling by Pakistan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-uses-bofors-guns-to-respond-to-border-shelling-by-pakistan/articleshow/68296755.cms |website=The Economic Times |date=7 March 2019}}</ref> In response to the Pakistani artillery fire, the Indian army began utilizing ] cannons against Pakistani positions.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes"/> | ||
===Retaliatory airstrikes, capture and release of pilot=== | ===Retaliatory airstrikes, capture and release of pilot, and friendly fire=== | ||
{{main|2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes}} | {{main|2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes}} | ||
], who was captured in Pakistan after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight. He was later released.]] | ], who was captured in Pakistan after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight. He was later released.]] | ||
On 27 February, Pakistani military officials announced that Pakistan had carried out an airstrike against multiple targets in ]. A military spokesman claimed that the ] (PAF) was able to lock onto Indian military installations, but opted to drop weapons into open areas instead, "to avoid human loss and collateral damage.{{Unbalanced opinion|date=July 2021}}<ref name="nation.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|title=Pakistan had no choice but to respond, says DG ISPR|date=27 February 2019|website=The Nation|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227124156/https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live |
On 27 February, Pakistani military officials announced that Pakistan had carried out an airstrike against multiple targets in ]. A military spokesman claimed that the ] (PAF) was able to lock onto Indian military installations, but opted to drop weapons into open areas instead, "to avoid human loss and collateral damage.{{Unbalanced opinion|date=July 2021}}<ref name="nation.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|title=Pakistan had no choice but to respond, says DG ISPR|date=27 February 2019|website=The Nation|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227124156/https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Pakistan's Prime Minister ] said that the airstrikes only aimed to "send a message" and appealed for negotiations to avoid a full-blown war.<ref name="guardian">{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Zahra-Malik |first2=Mehreen |date=2019-02-28 |title=India demands safe return of pilot shot down by Pakistan over Kashmir|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/27/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-appeals-talks-india-war-kashmir |url-status=live |access-date=2023-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227175649/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/27/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-appeals-talks-india-war-kashmir |archive-date=27 February 2019 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The spokesman further said that the Pakistan Air Force had shot down two Indian aircraft after they encroached on Pakistan's airspace, one of which fell in Pakistan administered Kashmir while the other fell in Indian administered Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |date=27 February 2019 |title=Pakistan shoots down two Indian fighter jets: Military |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228124544/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=2019-02-28 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; pilot arrested|date=2019-02-27|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=2019-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227111650/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also stated that ] had captured two Indian pilots, one of whom was said to be injured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital.<ref name="cnn-27feb">{{cite news |last1=Regan |first1=Helen |last2=Kumar |first2=Nikhil |last3=Raja |first3=Adeel |last4=Gupta |first4=Swati |date=28 February 2019 |title=Pakistan says it shot down two Indian jets as Kashmir border crisis deepens |publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227081256/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html |archive-date=27 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2019 |title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; 2 pilots arrested |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227094831/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}}</ref> But a subsequent statement revised the count down to one–], a Wing Commander.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan claims IAF's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in its custody, releases video |newspaper=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-claims-iafs-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-in-its-custody-releases-video-1466166-2019-02-27 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227182047/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-claims-iafs-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-in-its-custody-releases-video-1466166-2019-02-27 |archive-date=27 February 2019 }}</ref> According to Indian media allegations, the other pilot the Pakistan Army claimed to have captured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital is claimed to be the downed F-16 pilot.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Joshi|first=Sameer|date=7 April 2019|title=In PAF lies & subterfuge, an F-16 tail number & a PAF pilot -both hidden to serve a myth|work=The Print|url=https://theprint.in/defence/in-paf-lies-subterfuge-f-16-tail-number-paf-pilot-both-hidden-to-serve-myth/218125/|access-date=20 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-04-08|title=With radar images, IAF proves F-16 was shot down, exposes Pakistan|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/with-radar-images-iaf-proves-f-16-was-shot-down-exposes-pakistan-119040801312_1.html|access-date=2021-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharan|first=Sunil|date=2019-05-01|title=The mystery of the missing F-16|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/strategic-insights/the-mystery-of-the-missing-f-16/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-20|website=The Times of India Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070457/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/strategic-insights/the-mystery-of-the-missing-f-16/ |archive-date=2 May 2019 }}</ref> On the other hand, according to ''The National Bureau of Asian Research'', such claims of an F-16 being shot down by India are said to be ''"debunked"''.<ref name="Daniel S. Markey (27 January 2022).">Daniel S. Markey (27 January 2022). ''''. pg. 100-101. The National Bureau of Asian Research. Article in Asia Policy 17.1. ''''. Archived ''''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref> US count of PAF's F-16 fleet and Independent media reports confirmed that no F-16 was shot down during aerial dogfight between IAF and PAF.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Count Found No Pak F-16s Missing, Contradicts India's Claim: Report |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/us-count-found-no-pakistan-f-16s-missing-contradicts-indias-claim-foreign-policy-report-2018244 |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> The Indian claim of shooting down of a PAF F-16 was also rebutted by the prominent geo-political and military analyst Professor ] who stated while rejecting IAF claims "IAF narrative is not based on an empirical body of facts but dictated more by things deployed by politicians to win elections".<ref name="auto6"/> | ||
⚫ | India rejected this version of events and stated to have "successfully foiled" Pakistan's attempt to "target military installations".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pandit |first1=Rajat |last2=Parashar |first2=Sachin |date=28 February 2019 |title=Tension in the air: IAF, PAF lose a jet each; pilot in Pakistan custody |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tension-in-the-air-iaf-paf-lose-a-jet-each-pilot-in-pakistan-custody/articleshow/68192759.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228031452/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tension-in-the-air-iaf-paf-lose-a-jet-each-pilot-in-pakistan-custody/articleshow/68192759.cms |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> An ] (IAF) official statement hours after the airstrike stated that bombs had been dropped on Indian army ], but there was no damage to military installations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/tri-services-speak-in-one-voice-against-pakistani-misadventurism/articleshow/68205750.cms?from=mdr|title=We are on heightened state of readiness: Defence forces|website=The Economic Times|access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref> The Indian military later stated that three Pakistan Air Force jets had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from ] and had dropped bombs over Nadian, Laam Jhangar, Kerri in ] and Hamirpur area of Bhimber Galli in ], before being pushed back by six Indian airforce jets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/02/27/pakistan-jets-violate-indian-air-space-kashmir-nowshera-drop-bombs.html|title=Pakistan jets violate Indian airspace in Kashmir's Nowshera, drop bombs|website=The Week|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227100228/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/02/27/pakistan-jets-violate-indian-air-space-kashmir-nowshera-drop-bombs.html|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Indian pilot 'missing in action'; IAF shoots down Pakistan's jet: What we know so far |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistani-jets-violate-indian-air-space-in-jks-nowshera/articleshow/68179676.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227111730/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistani-jets-violate-indian-air-space-in-jks-nowshera/articleshow/68179676.cms |archive-date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=The Times of India|date=27 February 2019 }}</ref> There were no damage or casualties.<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite news |title=Pakistani jets cross LoC, Indian Air Force takes down one F-16 |newspaper=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-fighter-jets-violate-loc-indian-air-force-airstrike-jammu-kashmir-nowshera-rajouri-1466040-2019-02-27 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227071807/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-fighter-jets-violate-loc-indian-air-force-airstrike-jammu-kashmir-nowshera-rajouri-1466040-2019-02-27 |archive-date=27 February 2019 }}</ref> Raveesh Kumar from the ] also stated that a Pakistani aircraft<!--Do not add F-16 here, the statement does not explicitly mention it. The claim was made by Indian news reports, not MEA --> of the sortie was shot down by the ] in the process.<ref name="mea.gov.in">{{cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/31098/Statement_by_Official_Spokesperson_on_27_February_2019|title=Statement by Official Spokesperson on 27 February 2019|website=mea.gov.in|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227181051/https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl%2F31098%2FStatement_by_Official_Spokesperson_on_27_February_2019|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|title=India Pakistan: Kashmir fighting sees Indian aircraft downed|date=27 February 2019|publisher=]|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227074808/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed<ref name="mea.gov.in" /> that an Indian pilot was missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2019 |editor-last=Kirti |editor-first=Sumedha |title=India-Pak Tensions LIVE: IAF Wing Commander Missing After MiG-21 Crash, Pakistan Claims He is in Their Custody, Says Govt |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/india-pak-tensions-live-iaf-wing-commander-missing-after-mig-21-crash-pakistan-claims-he-is-in-their-custody-says-govt-2049727.html |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=News18}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | India rejected this version of events and stated to have "successfully foiled" Pakistan's attempt to "target military installations".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tension-in-the-air-iaf-paf-lose-a-jet-each-pilot-in-pakistan-custody/articleshow/68192759.cms |
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The retaliatory air strikes coupled with the capture of the Indian pilot led to a heightened state of military alert. Tanks were deployed to the border in the Pakistani side whilst several Kashmiri residents reportedly fled their homes and painted their homes with red-cross signs to avert air-strikes.<ref>{{Cite news| |
The retaliatory air strikes coupled with the capture of the Indian pilot led to a heightened state of military alert. Tanks were deployed to the border in the Pakistani side whilst several Kashmiri residents reportedly fled their homes and painted their homes with red-cross signs to avert air-strikes.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Abi-Habib |first1=Maria |last2=Kumar |first2=Hari |date=27 February 2019 |title=Pakistani Military Says It Downed Two Indian Warplanes, Capturing Pilot|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/world/asia/kashmir-india-pakistan-aircraft.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302112340/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/world/asia/kashmir-india-pakistan-aircraft.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | ||
Pakistan released the captured pilot on 1 March, describing the move as a gesture of peace.<ref name="Captured">{{cite news|title=Abhinandan: Captured Indian pilot handed back by Pakistan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884| |
Pakistan released the captured pilot on 1 March, describing the move as a gesture of peace.<ref name="Captured">{{cite news|title=Abhinandan: Captured Indian pilot handed back by Pakistan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|publisher=]|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301173217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2019 |title=Pakistan will release Indian Pilot Abhinandan tomorrow as a gesture of peace: Prime Minister Imran Khanpic.twitter.com/6aUN4S9JVb |url=https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/1101077823987613697 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228211548/https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/1101077823987613697 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |website=@pid_gov}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2024}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 February 2019 |title=Pakistan 'to free Indian pilot on Friday'|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47399126 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228144841/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47399126 |archive-date=28 February 2019 }}</ref> The Indian Air Force though stated that the pilot's release was an obligation under the ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 February 2019 |title=No goodwill gesture to return pilot Abhinandan, was expected under Geneva Conventions, says IAF |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-indian-air-force-pakistan-geneva-conventions-1467436-2019-02-28 |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228220126/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-indian-air-force-pakistan-geneva-conventions-1467436-2019-02-28 |archive-date=28 February 2019 }}</ref> The Indian media also criticized Pakistan's release of his photographs and interrogation videos to be against the protocols of the convention.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Debayan |date=1 March 2019 |title=Did Geneva Conventions Make Pakistan Release IAF Pilot or Was it A Peace Gesture? News18 Explains |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/did-geneva-conventions-make-pakistan-release-iaf-pilot-or-was-it-a-peace-gesture-news18-explains-2052599.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024818/https://www.news18.com/news/india/did-geneva-conventions-make-pakistan-release-iaf-pilot-or-was-it-a-peace-gesture-news18-explains-2052599.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |website=News18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2019 |title=Captured IAF pilot handed over to Delhi as 'peace gesture' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301165512/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951 |archive-date=1 March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}}</ref> A video published by the state just prior to his release that showed him praising Pakistani Army and condemning Indian media was criticized for being heavily edited.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/01/pakistan-hands-back-indian-pilot-shot-down-over-kashmir-in-peace-gesture|title=Pakistan returns Indian pilot shot down over Kashmir in 'peace gesture'|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=1 March 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 March 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302120826/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/01/pakistan-hands-back-indian-pilot-shot-down-over-kashmir-in-peace-gesture|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 March 2019 |title=Pakistan hands back captured Indian pilot|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884 |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302131948/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884 |archive-date=2 March 2019 }}</ref> | ||
=== Friendly fire against Indian Air Force Mi-17 Helicopter === | |||
⚫ | === |
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In the same hours of PAF retaliatory airstrikes in Jammu and Kashmir on 27 February 2019, ] mistakenly shot down its own ] helicopter, mistaking it an enemy aircraft.<ref name="auto4"/> Resultantly, six (6) IAF personnel who were serving as a crew of IAF MI-17 lost their lives including MI-17 pilots, namely, Squadron Leaders Siddharth Vashisht and Ninad Mandavgan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=25 January 2020 |title=Pilots of IAF chopper shot down in friendly fire in Budgam awarded gallantry medals |url=https://theprint.in/defence/pilots-of-iaf-chopper-shot-down-in-friendly-fire-in-budgam-awarded-gallantry-medals/354529/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=ThePrint}}</ref> IAF Chief ] admitted IAF's negligence only a year latter in 2019, terming it "a big mistake".<ref name="auto7"/> IAF convened an enquiry commission in which Group Captain Suman Roy Choudhry Chief Operations Officers (COO) of ] during PAF airstrikes, was dismissed from his service in 2023.<ref name="auto5"/> | |||
⚫ | On 5 March, the ] claimed to have successfully warded off an intrusion attempt by an Indian submarine into its ] and released a video of a surfaced submarine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-navy-claims-it-thwarted-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters/story-Bh2jiJolHkHK8dnPthmj6O.html|title=Pakistan Navy claims it thwarted Indian submarine from entering its waters|date=2019 |
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⚫ | === Failed Indian naval intrusion === | ||
⚫ | On 5 March, the ] claimed to have successfully warded off an intrusion attempt by an Indian submarine into its ] and released a video of a surfaced submarine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-navy-claims-it-thwarted-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters/story-Bh2jiJolHkHK8dnPthmj6O.html|title=Pakistan Navy claims it thwarted Indian submarine from entering its waters|date=5 March 2019|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305123212/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-navy-claims-it-thwarted-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters/story-Bh2jiJolHkHK8dnPthmj6O.html|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-navy-indian-navy-submarine-video-1470645-2019-03-05|title=Pakistan claims it chased away Indian Navy submarine, releases video|work=India Today|access-date=5 March 2019|date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305105951/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-navy-indian-navy-submarine-video-1470645-2019-03-05|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1467778|title=Pakistan Navy foils attempt by Indian submarine to enter Pakistani waters|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|date=5 March 2019|work=]|location=Pakistan|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305123659/https://www.dawn.com/news/1467778|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] subsequently rejected these statements as "false propaganda."<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan's claims on Indian submarine false propaganda: Navy |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/false-propaganda-navy-rubbishes-pak-claims-on-indian-submarine/articleshow/68272945.cms |access-date=5 March 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=5 March 2019}}</ref> | ||
==Other incidents== | ==Other incidents== | ||
===Closure of Pakistani airspace=== | ===Closure of Pakistani airspace=== | ||
On 27 February, Pakistan cancelled all commercial flights and closed its airspace until the midnight of 28 February.<ref name="DawnStranded">{{cite news |title=Thousands stranded in Thailand, a day after Pakistan closes airspace |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466654/thousands-stranded-in-thailand-a-day-after-pakistan-closes-airspace |access-date=28 February 2019 |work= |
On 27 February, Pakistan cancelled all commercial flights and closed its airspace until the midnight of 28 February.<ref name="DawnStranded">{{cite news |title=Thousands stranded in Thailand, a day after Pakistan closes airspace |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466654/thousands-stranded-in-thailand-a-day-after-pakistan-closes-airspace |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan |date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228104801/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466654/thousands-stranded-in-thailand-a-day-after-pakistan-closes-airspace |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DawnAirspace">{{cite news |first1=Sirajuddin |last1=Qazi Hassan |title=Pakistani airspace to remain closed till Thursday midnight |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466348 |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=DAWN |date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227200352/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466348 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> A ] was issued by the ] to close the airspace.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100668226386649089|title=Civil Aviation Authority of #Pakistan has officially closed its airspace until further notice & issued NOTAM. pic.twitter.com/qGZBMiKxvG|last=Pakistan|first=C. A. A.|date=27 February 2019|website=@AirportPakistan|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228105317/https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100668226386649089|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2024}} Airlines were required to reroute or cancel their flights with routes planned over Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=India-Pakistan tensions force airlines to cancel and reroute flights {{!}} DW {{!}} 28 February 2019 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-tensions-force-airlines-to-cancel-and-reroute-flights/a-47720001 |access-date=28 February 2019 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228100204/https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-tensions-force-airlines-to-cancel-and-reroute-flights/a-47720001 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 March, the NOTAM closing the airspace was extended until 8:00 AM (]) on 4 March with 23 exceptions listed.<ref>https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/upload/Notams/A210-19.txt{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Pakistan's airspace was closed for flights crossing the country's airspace except for arriving and departing flights at major airports in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/NOTAMS/NotamView.aspx|title=Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS)|website=caapakistan.com.pk}}</ref> The airspace closure was again repeatedly extended,.<ref name="DT_airspace">{{cite news |title=Pakistan closes its airspace till March 11 |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/363185/pakistan-closes-its-airspace-till-the-march-11/ |access-date=10 March 2019 |work=Daily Times |date=9 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="HinduAirspace">{{cite news |last1=Haidar |first1=Suhasini |last2=Chandra |first2=Jagriti |title=Pakistan airspace closure hits Afghan, Kazakh, Russian airlines |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/pakistan-airspace-closure-hits-afghan-kazakh-russian-airlines/article26714533.ece |access-date=3 April 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403071712/https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/pakistan-airspace-closure-hits-afghan-kazakh-russian-airlines/article26714533.ece |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TH_aispaceBan">{{cite news |last1=Chandra |first1=Jagriti |title=Pakistan extends ban on use of its airspace for flights till June 15 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-extends-ban-on-use-of-its-airspace-for-flights-to-june-15/article27282736.ece |access-date=29 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=29 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pakistan-airspace-closure-costs-over-rs-548-crore-to-indian-airlines-1562254701059.html|title=Pakistan airspace closure costs over ₹548 crore to Indian airlines|date=4 July 2019|website=Livemint}}</ref> The Pakistan finally opened its airspace for all civilian aircraft on 15 July 2019, after 140 days.<ref name="AirspaceOpens">{{cite news |title=Pakistan reopens airspace for all civilian traffic; Indian flights to operate soon |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-opens-airspace-for-all-civilian-traffic-indian-flights-to-operate-soon/article28462590.ece |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=16 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="140Days">{{cite news |title=Normal air traffic resumes as India follows Pakistan, lifts ban on airspace |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-airspace-ban-lifted-normal-air-traffic-resumes-1569840-2019-07-16 |work=India Today}}</ref> | ||
India did not close down its civilian air traffic and only the ] airspace was closed for 2–3 hours on the day of the skirmish.<ref name="DhanoaHindu">{{cite news |last1=Peri |first1=Dinakar |title=Did not let tensions with Pakistan dictate our civil aviation: Air Chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/did-not-let-tensions-with-pakistan-dictate-our-civil-aviation-air-chief-bs-dhanoa/article28124276.ece |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=24 June 2019 |
India did not close down its civilian air traffic and only the ] airspace was closed for 2–3 hours on the day of the skirmish.<ref name="DhanoaHindu">{{cite news |last1=Peri |first1=Dinakar |title=Did not let tensions with Pakistan dictate our civil aviation: Air Chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/did-not-let-tensions-with-pakistan-dictate-our-civil-aviation-air-chief-bs-dhanoa/article28124276.ece |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=24 June 2019}}</ref> However the Pakistani flights were allowed usage of Indian airspace only after 15 July when Pakistan opened up its airspace.<ref name="IndiaRestoresTraffic">{{cite news |title=Normal air traffic resumes as India follows Pakistan, lifts ban on airspace |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-airspace-ban-lifted-normal-air-traffic-resumes-1569840-2019-07-16 |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=India Today |date=16 July 2019}}</ref> | ||
The airspace closure led to a loss of {{US$|100 Million}} for Pakistan due to the skipping of its airspace by an average of 400 aircraft daily.<ref name="Toi_Loss">{{cite news |title=Pakistan lost millions in airspace closure post Balakot strike: Here's how countries earn from thin air |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/70067762.cms |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Air India suffered loss of {{INR|491 Crore}} till 2 July, as it had to reroute its flights that were affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. Similarly private Indian airlines ] lost ₹ 30.73 crore, ] lost ₹ 25.1 crore and ] lost ₹ 2.1 crore.<ref name="ITPak">{{cite news |title=Pakistan reopens airspace for {{sic|civi|llian|nolink=y}} traffic 140 days after Balakot airstrike |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-reopens-airspace-civillian-traffic-140-days-balakot-airstrike-1569810-2019-07-16 |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=India Today |date=16 July 2019 |
The airspace closure led to a loss of {{US$|100 Million}} for Pakistan due to the skipping of its airspace by an average of 400 aircraft daily.<ref name="Toi_Loss">{{cite news |title=Pakistan lost millions in airspace closure post Balakot strike: Here's how countries earn from thin air |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/70067762.cms |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Air India suffered loss of {{INR|491 Crore}} till 2 July, as it had to reroute its flights that were affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. Similarly private Indian airlines ] lost ₹ 30.73 crore, ] lost ₹ 25.1 crore and ] lost ₹ 2.1 crore.<ref name="ITPak">{{cite news |title=Pakistan reopens airspace for {{sic|civi|llian|nolink=y}} traffic 140 days after Balakot airstrike |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-reopens-airspace-civillian-traffic-140-days-balakot-airstrike-1569810-2019-07-16 |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=India Today |date=16 July 2019}}</ref> | ||
===Suspension of Samjhauta Express=== | ===Suspension of Samjhauta Express=== | ||
On 28 February, ], a train that runs twice weekly between India and Pakistan, was suspended by the government of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |title=LIVE: Pakistan suspends cross-border Samjhauta Express |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/live-updates-india-pakistan-iaf-surgical-strike-pakistan-suspends-cross-border-samjhauta-express-3582911.html |publisher=] |access-date=28 February 2019 |
On 28 February, ], a train that runs twice weekly between India and Pakistan, was suspended by the government of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |title=LIVE: Pakistan suspends cross-border Samjhauta Express |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/live-updates-india-pakistan-iaf-surgical-strike-pakistan-suspends-cross-border-samjhauta-express-3582911.html |publisher=] |access-date=28 February 2019|date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228044505/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/live-updates-india-pakistan-iaf-surgical-strike-pakistan-suspends-cross-border-samjhauta-express-3582911.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was scheduled to depart from ] with 16 passengers, who were stranded there.<ref name="IT_Samjahuta">{{cite news |title=Amid tensions with India, Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-tension-samjhauta-express-suspend-train-railways-1466832-2019-02-28 |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=India Today |date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228081125/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-tension-samjhauta-express-suspend-train-railways-1466832-2019-02-28 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 March, Pakistan, and consequently India, resumed the operations of Samjhauta Express.<ref>{{cite web |title=Samjhauta Express train resumes operation today |url=https://nation.com.pk/04-Mar-2019/samjhauta-express-resumes-operation-carries-151-passengers-from-lahore |work=The Nation |access-date=4 March 2019|date=4 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304160341/https://nation.com.pk/04-Mar-2019/samjhauta-express-resumes-operation-carries-151-passengers-from-lahore |archive-date=4 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
===Pakistan arrests suspected militants=== | ===Pakistan arrests suspected militants=== | ||
On 5 March, Pakistan arrested 44 members of various groups, including the Jaish-e-Muhammad. Some of those arrested had been named by India in a dossier it gave to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.<ref name=Asghar> |
On 5 March, Pakistan arrested 44 members of various groups, including the Jaish-e-Muhammad. Some of those arrested had been named by India in a dossier it gave to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.<ref name="Asghar">{{Cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |date=5 March 2019 |title=Pakistan arrests scores in fresh crackdown on armed groups |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/3/5/pakistan-arrests-scores-in-fresh-crackdown-on-armed-groups |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306074615/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/190305135807274.html |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Pakistan said those arrested will be held for at least 14 days, and if India provided further evidence they would be prosecuted.<ref name="Asghar" /> Among those arrested were relatives of JeM leader ], including his son Hamad Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf.<ref name=Asghar/> | ||
==Peace offer== | ==Peace offer== | ||
Both Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi agreed on a peace offer on 22 March 2019 ending hostilities and vowed to fight against terrorism together.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/ |
Both Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi agreed on a peace offer on 22 March 2019 ending hostilities and vowed to fight against terrorism together.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Gul |first=Ayaz |date=22 March 2019 |title=Pakistani PM Receives National Day Greetings from Indian Counterpart |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistani-pm-receives-national-day-greetings-from-indian-counterpart/4843592.html |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=VOA}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/03/22/time-to-work-together-indias-modi-messages-pm-imran/|title=Pakistan welcomes India's peace offer | Pakistan Today|website=Pakistan Today}}</ref> | ||
==Aftermath and analysis== | ==Aftermath and analysis== | ||
Line 180: | Line 170: | ||
{{main|2019 Kashmir lockdown}} | {{main|2019 Kashmir lockdown}} | ||
On 5 August 2019, the ] ] the ] granted to ]<ref name=britannica-jammu-kashmir>{{citation|last1=Akhtar|first1=Rais|last2=Kirk|first2=William|title=Jammu and Kashmir, State, India| |
On 5 August 2019, the ] ] the ] granted to ]<ref name=britannica-jammu-kashmir>{{citation|last1=Akhtar|first1=Rais|last2=Kirk|first2=William|title=Jammu and Kashmir, State, India|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir |access-date=7 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir, state of India, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent in the vicinity of the Karakoram and westernmost Himalayan mountain ranges. The state is part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947."</ref> | ||
On 15 August Pakistan and Indian forces exchanged fire over the disputed frontier in Kashmir, leaving 3 Pakistani soldiers dead and two civilians.<ref>{{Cite news| |
On 15 August Pakistan and Indian forces exchanged fire over the disputed frontier in Kashmir, leaving 3 Pakistani soldiers dead and two civilians.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farmer |first=Ben |date=15 August 2019 |title=Five killed as Pakistan and India trade fire amid Kashmir tension |newspaper=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/08/15/pakistani-prime-minister-warns-ethnic-cleansing-kashmir/ }}</ref> | ||
On 21 August the Indian-administered Kasmir police informed about a gun battle that left a rebel and a police officer killed.<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/killed-gun-battle-indian-administered-kashmir-190821062557343.html| |
On 21 August the Indian-administered Kasmir police informed about a gun battle that left a rebel and a police officer killed.<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{Cite web |title=Two killed in first Kashmir gun battle since lockdown began |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/killed-gun-battle-indian-administered-kashmir-190821062557343.html |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> The deceased militant was a member of ] a terror organization.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> | ||
=== Artillery strike === | === Artillery strike === | ||
''The Statesman'', an Indian newspaper, reported that 18 terrorists and 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian Army launched artillery strikes on terrorist camps in Neelum valley on |
''The Statesman'', an Indian newspaper, reported that 18 terrorists and 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian Army launched artillery strikes on terrorist camps in Neelum valley on 19 and 20 October.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 October 2019 |title=18 terrorists killed, JeM launch pads destroyed in artillery strikes by Army in PoK: Reports |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/18-terrorists-killed-jem-launch-pads-destroyed-artillery-strikes-army-pok-reports-1502813337.html |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=The Statesman}}</ref> ], however, said that five Pakistani civilians had died. | ||
== Legacy == | == Legacy == | ||
In 2023, ], who served as ] during the crisis, claimed that U.S. diplomacy prevented the dispute from sparking a nuclear war. According to Pompeo, he was informed by ] in February 2019 that the Indian government believed Pakistan was preparing a nuclear attack, and that India was preparing an escalatory response. Pompeo claimed that he and then-national security advisor ] spoke with then-Pakistani Army Chief ] in "the tiny secure communications facility in our hotel" to deescalate the dispute. Neither the Indian Ministry of External Affairs or Pakistani Foreign Office commented on Pompeo's claims.<ref>{{Cite news |date= |
In 2023, ], who served as ] during the crisis, claimed that U.S. diplomacy prevented the dispute from sparking a nuclear war. According to Pompeo, he was informed by ] in February 2019 that the Indian government believed Pakistan was preparing a nuclear attack, and that India was preparing an escalatory response. Pompeo claimed that he and then-national security advisor ] spoke with then-Pakistani Army Chief ] in "the tiny secure communications facility in our hotel" to deescalate the dispute. Neither the Indian Ministry of External Affairs or Pakistani Foreign Office commented on Pompeo's claims.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 January 2023 |title=India, Pakistan came close to a nuclear war, claims former U.S. Secretary of State in new book|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pakistan-came-close-to-a-nuclear-war-claims-former-us-secretary-of-state-in-new-book/article66429650.ece |access-date=25 January 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
==International reaction== | ==International reaction== | ||
A number of nations, including Australia,<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia Asks India, Pak To 'Exercise Restraint', Engage |
A number of nations, including Australia,<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia Asks India, Pak To 'Exercise Restraint', Engage in Dialogue |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/world-news-australia-asks-india-pak-to-exercise-restraint-engage-in-dialogue/326180 |work=Outlook |date=26 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227053325/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/world-news-australia-asks-india-pak-to-exercise-restraint-engage-in-dialogue/326180 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Canada,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/02/canada-calls-for-de-escalation-between-india-and-pakistan.html| title=Canada calls for de-escalation between India and Pakistan| date=27 February 2019| publisher=Government of Canada| archive-date=3 March 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303044240/https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/02/canada-calls-for-de-escalation-between-india-and-pakistan.html| url-status=live| access-date=3 March 2019}}</ref> China,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-soft-on-pakistan-always-opposed-terrorism-1466070-2019-02-27|title=China goes soft on Pakistan, says it has always opposed terrorism|date=27 February 2019|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228065725/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-soft-on-pakistan-always-opposed-terrorism-1466070-2019-02-27|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Indonesia,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Khaliq |first1=Riyaz ul |title=Indonesia calls on India, Pakistan to reduce tensions |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/indonesia-calls-on-india-pakistan-to-reduce-tensions/1405064 |access-date=28 February 2019 |publisher=] |date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228191926/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/indonesia-calls-on-india-pakistan-to-reduce-tensions/1405064 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Malaysia,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-expresses-concern-over-indiapakistan-tensions|title=Malaysia expresses concern over India-Pakistan tensions|agency=Bernama|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140028/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-expresses-concern-over-indiapakistan-tensions|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Sri Lanka,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Ensure-stability-of-entire-region:-SL-tells-India--Pakistan/108-163001|title=Ensure stability of entire region: SL tells India, Pakistan|date=27 February 2019|work=Daily Mirror|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130359/http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Ensure-stability-of-entire-region:-SL-tells-India--Pakistan/108-163001|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> the United Arab Emirates,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abu-dhabi-crown-prince-calls-pm-modi-imran-khan-amid-rising-tensions-2000876|title=Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Calls PM Modi, Imran Khan Amid Rising Tensions|date=28 February 2019|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013406/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abu-dhabi-crown-prince-calls-pm-modi-imran-khan-amid-rising-tensions-2000876|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and the United States,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2019/02/289733.htm|title=Concern Regarding India-Pakistan Tensions|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227033509/https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2019/02/289733.htm|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> expressed their concern, with some calling for restraint. Iran and Turkey have each offered to mediate the crisis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samaa.tv/global/2019/02/iran-offers-mediation-between-pakistan-and-india-amid-rising-tensions/|title=Iran offers mediation between Pakistan and India amid rising tensions|publisher=Samaa TV|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228005917/https://www.samaa.tv/global/2019/02/iran-offers-mediation-between-pakistan-and-india-amid-rising-tensions/|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919584/9-turkey-offers-mediation-pakistan-india-tensions-escalate/|title=Turkey offers mediation between Pakistan, India as tensions escalate|date=27 February 2019|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228200650/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919584/9-turkey-offers-mediation-pakistan-india-tensions-escalate/|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
== |
==See also== | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
===Notes=== | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
{{Kashmir conflict}} | {{Kashmir conflict}} | ||
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{{Military of India}} | {{Military of India}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 09:27, 4 December 2024
Series of armed skirmishes between India and Pakistan in Kashmir
2019 India–Pakistan skirmishes | ||||||||
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Part of the Indo−Pakistani conflicts and the Kashmir conflict | ||||||||
Map of Kashmir, showing the territory controlled by India and Pakistan in blue and green, respectively | ||||||||
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Belligerents | ||||||||
Jaish-e-Mohammed | ||||||||
Casualties and losses | ||||||||
Before onset of hostilities:
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Indo-Pakistani conflicts | |
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Kashmir conflict
Other conflicts Border skirmishes Strikes |
The 2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes were a series of armed clashes consisting of cross-border airstrikes and exchanges of gunfire between India and Pakistan across the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region, which is subject to extensive territorial claims by both countries.
The heightened tensions stemmed from the 14 February 2019 Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force personnel. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack and promised a robust response, while the latter condemned the attack and denied having any connection to it.
Twelve days later, in the early morning of 26 February 2019, India carried out a cross-border airstrike near Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Pakistan's military, the first to announce the airstrike that same morning, claimed that Indian warplanes had crossed the international border and dropped their payload in an uninhabited wooded hilltop area near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. India, confirming the airstrike later that day, characterized it to be a preemptive strike directed against a terrorist training camp, and claimed that it had caused the deaths of a "large number" of terrorists.
The second airstrike, a retaliatory one by Pakistan, was conducted in the daytime on 27 February, inside Indian-administered Kashmir. A dogfight between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets during this airstrike resulted in the downing of an Indian MiG-21 Bison by the Pakistan Air Force, following which its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was taken prisoner by the Pakistani military before being returned to India on 1 March.
On the same hours of PAF retaliatory strikes on 27 February 2019, an Indian Mi-17 helicopter was brought down by friendly fire in which all IAF airmen on board were killed, including Squadron Leaders Siddharth Vashisht and Ninad Mandavgan. IAF Chief RKS Bahaduria acknowledged IAF's failure only a year latter on 4 October 2019, terming friendly fire as "a big mistake". Resultantly Group Captain Suman Roy Choudhry Chief Operations Officers (COO) of Srinagar Air Force Station was dismissed from his service in 2023.
Aftermath analysis of open-source satellite imagery by the American Atlantic Council's Digital Forensics Laboratory, San Francisco-based Planet Labs, European Space Imaging and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute concluded that India did not hit any targets of significance on the Jaba hilltop site near Balakot in Pakistan.
On 10 April 2019, one and a half months later, a group of international journalists, who were taken to the Jaba hilltop in a tightly controlled trip arranged by the Pakistani government, although unable to make a knowledgeable evaluation, found the largest building there to show no evidence of damage or recent rebuilding efforts.
The US count of PAF's F-16 fleet confirmed PAF lost no aircraft during its dogfight with IAF. The claim of IAF of shooting down a F-16 was also rejected by various international observers.
Background
See also: Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts and Kashmir conflictIndia and Pakistan have long been at odds with each other, having engaged in several wars, conflicts, and military standoffs. The roots of the continued tension are complex, but have centred mainly around the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. After the 1947 Partition of India, the newly formed independent states of Pakistan and India squabbled over it, which led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948 and a subsequent sharing of the state. The settlement was non-agreeable to both the parties and since then, this had become an ongoing intractable issue leading to a war in 1965. The nations also partook in another war in 1971 which led to the formation of Bangladesh. Both countries developed nuclear weapons in the 1990s and this had a sobering effect on the next major conflict – the 1999 Kargil War.
As of now, the Line of Control demarcates the areas of administration: Pakistan administers the territory to the northwest of the line; India administers the territory to the southeast. Since 1989, a militant-fueled insurgency has raged in Indian-administered Kashmir, driven by a desire for either independence or union with Pakistan. The United Nations has stated Pakistan was providing material support to the militants and stated India was committing human rights violations.
The standoff occurred ahead of the 2019 Indian general election. After the Pulwama attack, Pakistan's PM attributed Indian government's desire to retaliate against Pakistan to the upcoming election. The Indian government rejected the allegation. Many analysts have stated that a military response to Pakistan would improve the electoral prospects of India's ruling party.
Military events
Pulwama attack
Main article: 2019 Pulwama attackThe 2019 India–Pakistan military standoff was a result of a militant attack in February 2019, when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy carrying security personnel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora in the Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Over 40 CRPF personnel and the perpetrator were killed in the attack, which Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for. The attacker was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, a militant from Jammu and Kashmir, and a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed. This was the deadliest attack on Indian forces in Kashmir since 1989.
Balakot airstrike
Main article: 2019 Balakot airstrikeOn 26 February 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes at Balakot in Pakistan. The strikes were subsequently stated to be "non-military" and "preemptive" in nature; targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed facility within Pakistan. The Indian government stated that the airstrike was in retaliation to the Pulwama attack and that "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis" were eliminated who were preparing for launching another suicide attack targeting Indian assets.
Indian media reported to have confirmed from official sources that twelve Mirage 2000 jets were involved in the operation and that they struck multiple militant camps in Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, killing about 350 militants. The exact figures varied across media-houses.
Pakistani officials acknowledged the intrusion of Indian aircraft into the country's airspace but rejected the statements about the results. They stated that the Indian jets were intercepted and that the payloads were dropped in unpopulated areas and resulted in no casualties or infrastructural damage. Pervez Khattak, the Pakistani Defence Minister, stated that the Pakistani Air Force did not retaliate at that time because "they could not gauge the extent of the damage".
Business Today India stated that the area around Balakot had been cordoned off by the Pakistan Army and evidences such as the dead bodies were being cleared from the area. Praveen Swami writing for Firstpost said that Indian intelligence estimated a figure of about 20 casualties and that there were five confirmed kills per burial records. He also said there was a JeM rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on 28 February, wherein Masood Azhar's brother, Abdul Rauf Rasheed Alvi mentioned India's attack of their headquarters and vowed revenge. In another piece he stated that RAW analysts estimated 90 casualties including three Pakistani Army trainers, based on intercepted communications. Swami also said there was a lack of witness testimony to independently assess the validity of above statements.
This airstrike was the first time since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 that aerial attacks had been carried out across the Line of Control.
Villagers from the area said that four bombs struck a nearby forest and a field resulting in damage to a building and injuring a local man around 3:00 am. On 28 February 2019, Pakistani Reuters reporters Asif Shahzad, Abu Arqam Naqash reported that the structure and its vicinity (of the bomb site) to be intact from the rear, however on 8 March 2019, the Reuters media team was prevented for third time from climbing hill to the closely guarded madrasa site in Balakot.
Some diplomats and analysts have raised doubts about the efficacy of the strike, stating that the terrorist groups along the border would have vacated the area, after the Indian Prime Minister vowed to retaliate against the Pulwama attack. The local people varied as to the purpose of the facility. Whilst some stated it being an active Jaish training camp, others stated it to have been a mere school for the local kids and that such militant camps had used to exist far earlier. Satellite-data analysis by Nathan Ruser, from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said there was an absence of any apparent evidence to verify Indian statements. Michael Sheldon, a digital forensics analyst at the Atlantic Council, did an independent investigation on the issue, in which he said that no damage was caused to any infrastructure around the target site. He concluded that "something appears to have gone wrong in the targeting process", which was mysterious in light of the autonomous nature of the missiles reportedly used. However, Pakistan had to close the site for one and a half month or 43 days before opened to foreign delegates and media.
The Indian officials stated that synthetic aperture radar showed that four buildings had been destroyed. Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor of the Indian Air Force said on 28 February 2019 that though it was "premature" to provide details about the casualties, they had "fairly credible evidence" of the damage inflicted on the camp by the air strikes.
In April 2019, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj officially revealed that no Pakistani soldier or civilian was hurt in Balakot air raids.
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. Pakistani officials reported that at least four civilians were killed, and eleven were wounded. A 55-year-old woman and her two children were killed in the Nakyal sector. In the Khuiratta sector, a 40-year-old woman was killed.
Throughout 27 February, heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces continued along the Line of Control. Ten Indian soldiers were injured along with two residential houses being destroyed in the skirmishes. The Pakistani Army stated that on 1 March, two of its soldiers were killed by firing from the Indian Army at the Line of Control. Shelling across the Line of Control reportedly killed a Kashmiri woman and her two sons after a shell landed on their home, with another civilian being critically wounded. On 6 and 7 March, Pakistani and Indian forces exchanged heavy artillery fire along the line of control, with Pakistani forces using 130 mm and 105 mm artillery and 120 mm mortars. In response to the Pakistani artillery fire, the Indian army began utilizing 155mm FH77B Bofors cannons against Pakistani positions.
Retaliatory airstrikes, capture and release of pilot, and friendly fire
Main article: 2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikesOn 27 February, Pakistani military officials announced that Pakistan had carried out an airstrike against multiple targets in Jammu and Kashmir. A military spokesman claimed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was able to lock onto Indian military installations, but opted to drop weapons into open areas instead, "to avoid human loss and collateral damage. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the airstrikes only aimed to "send a message" and appealed for negotiations to avoid a full-blown war. The spokesman further said that the Pakistan Air Force had shot down two Indian aircraft after they encroached on Pakistan's airspace, one of which fell in Pakistan administered Kashmir while the other fell in Indian administered Kashmir. It was also stated that Pakistan Army had captured two Indian pilots, one of whom was said to be injured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital. But a subsequent statement revised the count down to one–Abhinandan Varthaman, a Wing Commander. According to Indian media allegations, the other pilot the Pakistan Army claimed to have captured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital is claimed to be the downed F-16 pilot. On the other hand, according to The National Bureau of Asian Research, such claims of an F-16 being shot down by India are said to be "debunked". US count of PAF's F-16 fleet and Independent media reports confirmed that no F-16 was shot down during aerial dogfight between IAF and PAF. The Indian claim of shooting down of a PAF F-16 was also rebutted by the prominent geo-political and military analyst Professor Christina Fair who stated while rejecting IAF claims "IAF narrative is not based on an empirical body of facts but dictated more by things deployed by politicians to win elections".
India rejected this version of events and stated to have "successfully foiled" Pakistan's attempt to "target military installations". An Indian Air Force (IAF) official statement hours after the airstrike stated that bombs had been dropped on Indian army formation compounds, but there was no damage to military installations. The Indian military later stated that three Pakistan Air Force jets had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir and had dropped bombs over Nadian, Laam Jhangar, Kerri in Rajouri District and Hamirpur area of Bhimber Galli in Poonch, before being pushed back by six Indian airforce jets. There were no damage or casualties. Raveesh Kumar from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs also stated that a Pakistani aircraft of the sortie was shot down by the Indian Air Force in the process.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that an Indian pilot was missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets.
The retaliatory air strikes coupled with the capture of the Indian pilot led to a heightened state of military alert. Tanks were deployed to the border in the Pakistani side whilst several Kashmiri residents reportedly fled their homes and painted their homes with red-cross signs to avert air-strikes.
Pakistan released the captured pilot on 1 March, describing the move as a gesture of peace. The Indian Air Force though stated that the pilot's release was an obligation under the Geneva Conventions. The Indian media also criticized Pakistan's release of his photographs and interrogation videos to be against the protocols of the convention. A video published by the state just prior to his release that showed him praising Pakistani Army and condemning Indian media was criticized for being heavily edited.
Friendly fire against Indian Air Force Mi-17 Helicopter
In the same hours of PAF retaliatory airstrikes in Jammu and Kashmir on 27 February 2019, IAF mistakenly shot down its own MI-17 helicopter, mistaking it an enemy aircraft. Resultantly, six (6) IAF personnel who were serving as a crew of IAF MI-17 lost their lives including MI-17 pilots, namely, Squadron Leaders Siddharth Vashisht and Ninad Mandavgan. IAF Chief RKS Bahaduria admitted IAF's negligence only a year latter in 2019, terming it "a big mistake". IAF convened an enquiry commission in which Group Captain Suman Roy Choudhry Chief Operations Officers (COO) of Srinagar Air Force Station during PAF airstrikes, was dismissed from his service in 2023.
Failed Indian naval intrusion
On 5 March, the Pakistani Navy claimed to have successfully warded off an intrusion attempt by an Indian submarine into its territorial waters and released a video of a surfaced submarine. The Indian Navy subsequently rejected these statements as "false propaganda."
Other incidents
Closure of Pakistani airspace
On 27 February, Pakistan cancelled all commercial flights and closed its airspace until the midnight of 28 February. A NOTAM was issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace. Airlines were required to reroute or cancel their flights with routes planned over Pakistan. On 1 March, the NOTAM closing the airspace was extended until 8:00 AM (UTC) on 4 March with 23 exceptions listed. Pakistan's airspace was closed for flights crossing the country's airspace except for arriving and departing flights at major airports in Pakistan. The airspace closure was again repeatedly extended,. The Pakistan finally opened its airspace for all civilian aircraft on 15 July 2019, after 140 days.
India did not close down its civilian air traffic and only the Srinagar airspace was closed for 2–3 hours on the day of the skirmish. However the Pakistani flights were allowed usage of Indian airspace only after 15 July when Pakistan opened up its airspace.
The airspace closure led to a loss of US$100 Million for Pakistan due to the skipping of its airspace by an average of 400 aircraft daily. Air India suffered loss of ₹491 Crore till 2 July, as it had to reroute its flights that were affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. Similarly private Indian airlines SpiceJet lost ₹ 30.73 crore, IndiGo lost ₹ 25.1 crore and GoAir lost ₹ 2.1 crore.
Suspension of Samjhauta Express
On 28 February, Samjhauta Express, a train that runs twice weekly between India and Pakistan, was suspended by the government of Pakistan. It was scheduled to depart from Lahore with 16 passengers, who were stranded there. On 4 March, Pakistan, and consequently India, resumed the operations of Samjhauta Express.
Pakistan arrests suspected militants
On 5 March, Pakistan arrested 44 members of various groups, including the Jaish-e-Muhammad. Some of those arrested had been named by India in a dossier it gave to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack. Pakistan said those arrested will be held for at least 14 days, and if India provided further evidence they would be prosecuted. Among those arrested were relatives of JeM leader Masood Azhar, including his son Hamad Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf.
Peace offer
Both Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi agreed on a peace offer on 22 March 2019 ending hostilities and vowed to fight against terrorism together.
Aftermath and analysis
Revocation of special status and August border clashes
Main article: 2019 Kashmir lockdownOn 5 August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir
On 15 August Pakistan and Indian forces exchanged fire over the disputed frontier in Kashmir, leaving 3 Pakistani soldiers dead and two civilians.
On 21 August the Indian-administered Kasmir police informed about a gun battle that left a rebel and a police officer killed. The deceased militant was a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba a terror organization.
Artillery strike
The Statesman, an Indian newspaper, reported that 18 terrorists and 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian Army launched artillery strikes on terrorist camps in Neelum valley on 19 and 20 October. Mohammad Faisal, however, said that five Pakistani civilians had died.
Legacy
In 2023, Mike Pompeo, who served as United States Secretary of State during the crisis, claimed that U.S. diplomacy prevented the dispute from sparking a nuclear war. According to Pompeo, he was informed by Sushma Swaraj in February 2019 that the Indian government believed Pakistan was preparing a nuclear attack, and that India was preparing an escalatory response. Pompeo claimed that he and then-national security advisor John Bolton spoke with then-Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa in "the tiny secure communications facility in our hotel" to deescalate the dispute. Neither the Indian Ministry of External Affairs or Pakistani Foreign Office commented on Pompeo's claims.
International reaction
A number of nations, including Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, expressed their concern, with some calling for restraint. Iran and Turkey have each offered to mediate the crisis.
See also
References
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We will give a befitting reply, our neighbour will not be allowed to de-stabilise us", Modi said
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Kashmir conflict | |
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Wars and conflicts | |
Border skirmishes | |
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Militant organisations | |
Observances |
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Related |
- Indian–Pakistani border conflicts
- Military operations of the Kashmir conflict
- 2010s in Jammu and Kashmir
- 21st century in Azad Kashmir
- Attacks in India in 2019
- Attacks in Pakistan in 2019
- February 2019 events in India
- March 2019 events in India
- February 2019 events in Pakistan
- March 2019 events in Pakistan
- Naval history of the Indo-Pakistani wars
- Operations involving the Indian Air Force
- Mansehra District
- 2019 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Friendly fire incidents