Balakot Airstrike Anniversary: When India took revenge for the Pulwama attack deep inside Pak
Balakot airstrike, a historic military operation conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in response to the Pulwama terror attack. The Balakot airstrike, conducted on February 26, 2019, was a meticulously planned and executed operation that demonstrated India's unwavering commitment to national security. The codeword "Bandar Mara Gaya" was reportedly used to relay the success of the mission, signaling the elimination of a significant threat.
Background and Context
The operation was a response to the heinous Pulwama terror attack on February 14, 2019, where a suicide bomber affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed targeted a convoy of Indian paramilitary personnel, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives. In a swift and calculated move, the IAF struck the terror camps in Balakot, situated deep inside Pakistani territory, sending a strong message that India would not tolerate cross-border terrorism.
Timeline of Events:
- February 14, 2019: 40 CRPF personnel were killed in the Pulwama attack.
- February 15, 2019: India decided to withdraw the 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) status accorded to Pakistan.
- February 16, 2019: The mortal remains of the 40 soldiers were laid to rest in their hometowns.
- February 17, 2019: The Jammu and Kashmir administration decided to withdraw security cover provided to five separatist leaders in the Valley.
- February 18, 2019: Nine people, including an Army Major and three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, were killed in a gun battle in Pulwama.
- February 19, 2019: Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan,
