Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 fighter jets struck a major terrorist camp across the LoC and completely destroyed it, intelligence sources have said.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Director General of Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan claimed its air force responded effectively repulsed to intruding India aircraft.

Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 26, 2019

Watch | Why Pakistan is unlikely to retaliate to India’s ‘pre-emptive strike’

Here are the highlights:

9:30 pm IST India and Pakistan should exercise restraint: France “France calls on India&Pak to exercise restraint to avert any risk of military escalation & preserve strategic stability in region. Resumption of dialogue b/w Islamabad-New Delhi necessary to initiate peaceful settlement of differences,” ANI further quoted the spokesperson of France’s Ministry of Europe&Foreign Affairs.





9:15 pm IST We stand by India in the fight against terrorism: France “France,which stands by India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms, is fully engaged in mobilising int’l community to sanction terrorists responsible for this attack (Pulwama)&freezing their financing networks”: France’s Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs





8:55 pm IST Recognise India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism: France “France recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism and asks Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory”: Acting spokesperson of France’s Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs, according to ANI.





8:48 pm IST Army, Navy, IAF chiefs meet PM, NSA Hours after the IAF warplanes struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Pakistan, the three service chiefs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him about the country’s preparedness to deal with any possible retaliatory action by Islamabad, official sources said Tuesday, PTI reported.





8:30 pm IST Swaraj speaks to counterparts in US, China, Singapore, Bangladesh, Afghanistan: Report External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Tuesday spoke to her counterparts in the US, China, Singapore, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and briefed them about the pre-dawn strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Pakistan, according to a PTI report.





8:10 pm IST No Indian movie will be released in Pakistan: Pakistan I&B Minister “Cinema Exhibitors Association has boycotted Indian content, no Indian movie will be released in Pakistan. Also have instructed PEMRA to act against made in India advertisements,” ANI quoted Choudhary Fawad Hussain, Pakistan I&B Minister.





7:50 pm IST Gave many chances to Pakistan: Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh “India had made it clear that terrorism must be eradicated, we had given many chances to Pakistan, therefore, India was forced to take action so that these things can be stopped,” Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh told ANI on India strikes at JeM camp in Balakot.





7:36 pm IST State is on alert: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh “State is on alert, I will be touring bordering areas tomorrow. We are ready for any eventuality. I told the Union Home Minister that if there is anything that Punjab can do we are there to for the defence of our country,” Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh told ANI.





7:20 pm IST Avoid further escalation of tensions: EU spokesperson Maja Kocijancic “We’re following very closely the current developments between India & Pakistan. We remain in contact with both countries & what we believe is essential, is that all exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions”: ANi quoted Maja Kocijancic, European Union spokesperson as saying.





7:10 pm IST It was a clean operation: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad “We have appreciated the efforts by the forces, they always have our support to end terrorism. Another good thing is that it was a clean operation which specifically targeted terrorists and terror camps,” Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI after the all party meet.





7:00 pm IST United against terror, says Sushma Swaraj United against terror, says Sushma Swaraj after all party meet





6:55 pm IST All members congratulated Indian Air Force: Swaraj “We had called an all party meet on the IAF strike, I am happy that all members congratulated Indian Air Force and supported all investigations initiated against terror attacks,” says Swaraj.





6:48 pm IST Happy that all parties in one voice: Sushma Swaraj after all party meet “I am happy that all parties in one voice praised the security forces and supported the Govt’s anti-terror operations,” says Sushma Swaraj after all party meeting.





6:36 pm IST For India’s security, our soldiers and government can go to any extent: Amit Shah “Surgical strikes after Uri and now air strikes in self-defence, both have given the message to the world that for the security of the country, India’s soldiers and government can go to any extent,” said Amit Shah, BJP President at a public rally in Ghazipur, according to ANI.





6:23 pm IST Pakistan violates ceasefire violation Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector and Akhnoor sector, reports news agency ANI.





6:05 pm IST CRPF jawans celebrate IAF strike at JeM camp in Balakot “Jawans are celebrating,they (Pak) have been given a befitting reply,but souls of 40 jawans isn’t at peace yet,their souls will rest in peace only after mastermind of Pulwama attack is killed...,” ANI quoted a CRPF jawan. #WATCH Chhattisgarh: ASI GD Ratnakar,211-BN CRPF on IAF strike at JeM camp in Balakot: Jawans are celebrating,they (Pak) have been given a befitting reply,but souls of 40 jawans isn't at peace yet,their souls will rest in peace only after mastermind of #PulwamaAttack is killed... pic.twitter.com/PkrEZm8ByO — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019





5:50 pm IST Rajnath defers Tripura programme after IAF strike Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday postponed the foundation stone laying programme for a BSF accommodation in Tripura as he was busy with the developments following the IAF’s strike on terrorist training camps in Pakistan, according to a report in IANS.





5:37 pm IST It’s a right step, we stand by the government: Asaduddin Owaisi “We welcome this. It’s a right step. We stand by the government,” All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM ) president Asaduddin Owaisi said, reports PTI from Hyderabad.





5:27 pm IST All party meeting called by Sushma Swaraj begins Here are the visuals from the all-party meeting called by Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma Swaraj at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan. Delhi: Visuals from the all-party meeting called by EAM Sushma Swaraj at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/9FnQ59bFsQ — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019





5: 20 pm IST Australia urges India and Pakistan to exercise restraint “Both sides to exercise restraint, avoid any action which would endanger peace and security in the region and engage in dialogue to ensure that these issues are resolved peacefully.”





5:10 pm IST ‘Act against terror groups’: Australia to Pak “Pakistan must do everything possible to implement its own proscription of Jaish-e-Mohammed. It can no longer allow extremist groups the legal and physical space to operate from its territory,” Australia said in its statement.





4:50 pm IST ‘Fight terrorism through international cooperation’: China Hours after the Indian air force carried out a targeted strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camp located across the Line of Control (LoC), China urged India to fight terrorism through “international cooperation”.





4:38 pm IST PM’s will power has led to the action today: Ram Madhav “Country is in safe hands, it’s will power of PM that has led to the action today. We had political leadership in PM Modi which decided this time to act. We acted in a responsible manner, protected India’s interest & ensured we didn’t violate international norms,” ANI quoted BJP’s Ram Madhav.





4:25 pm IST ‘Will take international media to the area of strikes’: Pak foreign minister “Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi​: Pakistan will take international media to the area of strikes, helicopters are being readied, right now weather is bad, will fly when weather permits,” news agency ANI tweeted.





4:08 pm IST After IAF strikes, Pak raises Kashmir issue After IAF strikes at Jaish camp, Pakistan foreign minister raised Kashmir issue and accused India of “torturing innocent Kashmiris over Pulwama attack”. “We will respond at time and place of our choosing,”said Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi .





3:50 pm IST Violation of our sovereignty: Pak foreign minister “India is action is a violation of our sovereignty. And, we will definitely engage,” says Pakistan foreign minister.





3:28 pm IST Have done what any self-respecting country would do: Kamal Haasan “We have done what any self-respecting country would do. We are proud of what our forces have done for us. They are our shield, and they have behaved exactly like a shield. We are very proud. Salute to our fighters,” said Kamal Haasan on IAF strike at JeM camp in Balakot.





3:27 pm IST ‘Message has been sent to them’: Defence experts praise IAF’s strike Various defence experts Tuesday hailed the IAF’s pre-dawn air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed’s terror camp in Pakistan with some saying “the message had been communicated strongly”, while a former air chief said India needs to be on guard as Pakistan might react soon. Former defence minister A K Antony, said, “Pakistan should realise that they cannot stand the might of the Indian armed forces.” India conducted the preemptive strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp early Tuesday, killing a “very large number” of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.





3:18 pm IST Pak to raise IAF air strikes across LoC at UN, OIC: Report Pakistan will raise IAF air strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) at the United Nations and other international forums, a media said Tuesday, quoting sources. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by the top civil and military leadership, including Army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa, Geo TV reported.





3:10 pm IST Shall respond at the time and place of choosing: Pakistan’s national security commitee “A special meeting of the National Security Committee chaired by the Pakistan Prime Minister was held at his office today. The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, COAS, CNS, CAS and other civil & military officials. Once again Indian government has resorted to a self serving, reckless and fictitious claim. Forum concluded that India has committed uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing,” said a statement of Pakistan’s national security committee. “PM has directed that elements of national power including the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan to remain prepared for all eventualities. He decided to engage with global leadership to expose irresponsible Indian policy in the region. PM appreciated timely and effective response of PAF to repulse Indian attempt without any loss of life or property,” the statement added.





3:06 pm IST Pakistan summons Joint session of Parliament after IAF strike on Jaish camp across LoC The Pakistan government has decided to requisition joint session of the Parliament after IAF strike on Jaish camp across LoC. The Pakistan PM has also summoned special meeting of NCA on Feb 27, 2019. “PM has directed that elements of national power including the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan to remain prepared for all eventualities. He decided to engage with global leadership to expose irresponsible Indian policy in the region,” said a statement by Pakistan.





2:53 pm IST China calls for ‘restraint’ after IAF strike on Jaish camp across LoC China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to “exercise restraint” after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the arch-rivals over disputed Kashmir. “We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and adopt actions that will help stabilise the situation in the region and improve mutual relations,” China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.





2:39 pm IST Foreign diplomats briefed by foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale Foreign diplomats from the USA, UK, China, Russia, Australia,Indonesia,Turkey and six Asean nations being briefed by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Indian air strike across LOC in Balakot





2:27 pm IST Refrain from going to war, Shehbaz Sharif tells India Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged India to refrain from plunging the region into war after the IAF struck the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JeM) biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan. “The Indian leadership should come to its senses and act responsibly and should not (plunge) the people of South Asia into war,” Sharif said.





2:23 pm IST Within next 10 years Rs 7.5 Lakh Crore will be deposited in the accounts of farmers: PM “Within next 10 years Rs 7.5 Lakh crore will be deposited in the accounts of farmers. They will not have to do anything for it. They will directly get a notification on their mobile phones, saying that they have received the amount,” said PM Modi in Rajashthan’s Churu.





2:14 pm IST For us, party is bigger than an individual and country is bigger than the party: PM For us, party is bigger than an individual and country is bigger than the party. We are moving forward with the slogan of ‘Jai jawan, jai kisaan, jai vigyaan’. One crore farmers benefited from PM-KISAN scheme,” said PM Modi while addressing rally in Churu, Rajasthan





2:12 pm IST Over 20 lakh soldiers got benefit of One Rank One Pension: PM “Your prime servant has promised the soldiers to bring in OROP. And, I am happy that over 20 lakh soldiers got benefit of this,” said PM Modi





2:08 pm IST Nation in safe hands, says PM hours after IAF strikes across LoC: PM “I understand your josh. I assure you that the nation is in safe hands. I won’t let the country to bow down its head,” said PM Modi while addressing ex-servicemen.





1:51 pm IST Today’s strong action shows the will and resolve of a New India: Amit Shah “I congratulate and salute the bravery and valour of our armed forces. Today’s action further demonstrates that India is safe and secure under the strong & decisive leadership of PM Modi,” tweeted Amit Shah. “Today’s strong action shows the will and resolve of a New India. Our New India will not spare any acts of terror and their perpetrators and patrons,” he said.





1:30 pm IST Yusuz Azhar, head of JeM’s Balakot terror camp, is on Interpol list JeM’s Yusuf Azhar alias Mohammad Salim alias Ustaad Gohri whose camp was targeted today by IAF air strikes in Balakot across LOC was on the Interpol list and among the most wanted in India. JeM's Yusuf Azhar alias Mohammad Salim alias Ustaad Gohri who was targeted today by IAF #airstrike in Balakot across LOC was on the Interpol list and among the most wanted in India. pic.twitter.com/1eTj8FhFMJ — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 “This facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar...The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualty. It’s located in deep forest on a hilltop,” said foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale while briefing media over IAF air strikes on JeM terror camp.





1:26 pm IST Brother of CRPF jawan, who lost his life in Pulwama attack, reacts to IAF air strike “We are very happy that this(IAF strikes on JeM camp across LoC) happened, but we want pressure on Pakistan be kept up so that no terror organisation like JeM dares to attack us again,” said brother of CRPF jawan Vijay Maurya, who lost his life in Pulwama terror attack.





1:11 pm IST Whatever action the forces take for protection of this nation, we will support them in unity: Kharge “We’ve always said that whatever action the forces take for protection of this nation, all of us will support them in unity, they are taking action against the terrorists in Pakistan. I congratulate them,” said Congress’s Mallikarjun Kharge.





1:08 pm IST Totally new ball game: Omar Abdullah on IAF strikes National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Tuesday said the strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force on JeM camps is a “totally new ball game” as it was first time that air power was used during peace time to hit terrorist targets in the neighbouring country. “We’ve entered a whole new paradigm with the Balakot air strike. The post Uri strike was to avenge our losses, Balakote was a ‘preemptive strike to prevent an imminent JeM attack’. Totally new ballgame,” Abdullah tweeted.





12:59 pm IST Air defence system at International Border, LoC put on alert: ANI Indian Air Force has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and Line of Control (LoC) to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force, reported news agency ANI.





12:56 pm IST Lt gen Hooda (retd.), who oversaw surgical strikes, reacts to IAF air strikes “My compliment goes to the government for taking this action & also to the Air Force for the way they have carried out this strike (in Balakot) in an absolutely professional manner,” Lt Gen DS Hooda (retd.). “All pilots are safe. I think it needed to be done. I personally had no doubt in my mind after Pulwama attack that some strong action will be taken by the government,” he said.





12:39 pm IST NSA Doval along with army, IAF chiefs reviews situation at border NSA Ajit Doval along with Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa is reviewing the security situation on the borders after Indian Air Force strikes at JeM terror camp in Balakot across LoC.





12:30 pm IST Clouds of dangers hovering over us: Pakistan “I have already said that I don’t want to mislead the public. Clouds of danger are hovering over us and we will have to remain alert,” Pakistan’s Samaa TV quoted Pak minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, as saying. The Pakistan foreign minister called a high-level emergency meeting on Tuesday for csonsultation with former foreign secretaries and senior diplomats hours after IAF carried out air strikes across the LoC.





12:23 pm IST Sushma Swaraj calls all-party meeting at 5pm External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has called an all-party meeting at 5pm over the IAF strikes on terror camp. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has briefed both President and Vice-President about the #IndianAirForce strike at JeM terror camp in Balakot across LoC, reported news agency ANI quoting sources.





12:13 pm IST ‘Better sense should prevail’: Pakistan minister Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Tuesday that “better sense” should prevail in India after Indian jets crossed into Pakistan and carried out what one Indian minister called an airstrike on militant terror camps. Qureshi warned India not to challenge Pakistan and said “better sense should prevail in India”, according to a statement cited by state-run Radio Pakistan.





12:09 pm IST Fully prepared to respond: Pakistan on IAF strike “Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi warned India not to challenge Pakistan. Pakistan is fully prepared to respond to any misadventure,” tweeted official twitter account of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.





11:59 am IST Facility in Balakot headed by JeM Chief’s brother in law: Govt “This facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar...The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualty. It’s located in deep forest on a hilltop,” said foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale.





11:33 am IST India struck the biggest JeM camp today: Foreign secretary “JeM training camps have been active in Pakistan for a long time now. India struck the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot today. The strikes specifically targeted the camp of JeM and made sure that there are no civilian casualties. Strikes happened only a short while ago,we are waiting for more details,” said Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale “Credible intelligence was received that JeM was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country, and the fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. In the face of imminent danger, a pre-emptive strike became absolutely necessary,” he added.





11:21 am IST IAF also means India’s Amazing Fighters: Mamata Banerjee West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan. “IAF also means India’s Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind,” Banerjee tweeted.





11:20 am IST Each time you attack us, be certain we will get back at you: VK Singh “They say they want India to bleed with a 1000 cuts. We say that each time you attack us, be certain we will get back at you, harder and stronger. Salute the brave pilots of the IAF that carried out the strikes,” said Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh.





11:04 am IST CCS meeting ends The high-level Cabinet Committee meeting on security-led by PM Modi has ended. The high-level meeting was attended by top cabinet ministers such as EAM Sushma Swaraj, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, home minister Rajnath Singh and finance minister Arun Jaitley. NSA Ajit Doval is also attending the meeting. Read | PM holds CCS meet after strike on Jaish terror camp across LoC





10:56 am IST IAF has taken the necessary step: Prakash Javadekar Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar Tuesday hailed the air strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force, saying the entire nation stands firmly behind the armed forces. “PM Modi had given full freedom to the forces. IAF has taken the necessary step for the security of the nation, entire country stands with forces,” said Union minister Prakash Javadekar.





10:32 am IST Indian air strike ‘completely destroyed’ militant camp: MoS agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Air Force carried out aerial strike early morning today at terror camps across the LoC and completely destroyed it,” minister of state for agriculture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, tweeted referring to the Line of Control that divides the Indian- and Pakistani-administered parts of Kashmir.





10:22 am IST Kejriwal lauds IAF pilots for striking terror targets inside Pakistan Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saluted the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) after it carried out air strikes in Pakistan. “I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan,” Kejriwal said in a tweet.





10:16 am IST We salute the IAF for their effort to keep Indians safe: Congress The Congress party hailed the Indian Air Force after reports of strike at Jaish terror camp. “We salute the @IAF_MCC for their consistent & determined effort to keep Indians safe,” tweeted Congress. We salute the @IAF_MCC for their consistent & determined effort to keep Indians safe.

Jai Hind. https://t.co/RmfHQNlwH4 — Congress (@INCIndia) February 26, 2019





10:10 am IST CCS meeting attended by top cabinet ministers, NSA Doval The high-level Cabinet Committee meeting on security-led by PM Modi is being attended by top cabinet ministers such as EAM Sushma Swaraj, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, home minister Rajnath Singh and finance minister Arun Jaitley. NSA Ajit Doval is also attending the meeting.





9:59 am IST CCS meeting underway at PM’s residence A Cabinet Committee meeting on Security is underway at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.





9:50 am IST Balakot camp biggest JeM camp in Pakistan: Top government sources According to top government sources, the Balakot camp is spread around 6 to 7 acres and is the biggest Jaish e Mohammed camp in Pakistan.





9:43 am IST Indian Air Force fighter planes struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp across the LoC: Sources A top intelligence source has confirmed the IAF fighter planes struck at one of the biggest Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa . According to analysts, the strike confirmed that India will deploy full spectrum deterrence if hit by a terror strike by Pakistan-based terrorist group.





9:40 am IST I salute the pilots of the IAF: Rahul Gandhi After the reports of IAF strikes at terror camp surfaced, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “I salute the pilots of the IAF.” 🇮🇳 I salute the pilots of the IAF. 🇮🇳 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 26, 2019





9:24 am IST Mirage-2000 fighter jets caused estimated casualty of 200-300: Sources Indian Air Force fighter planes struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp across the LoC in Balakot, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa early on Tuesday morning, intelligence sources have said. The IAF used Mirage-2000 jets with laser-guided bombs causing an estimated casualty of 200-300, the sources said.





9:18 am IST India-Pak ties tense since Pulwama terror attack Relations between India and Pakistan have been extremely tense since Pulwama terror attack, claimed by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, on February 14 in Kashmir. The attack killed 40 members of CRPF.





9:14 am IST Indian defence ministry says no information about air violations into Pakistan: Reuters India’s defence ministry said on Tuesday that it had no information about Pakistani allegations that Indian aircraft violated Pakistani airspace, reported Reuters.



