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Updated February 26th, 2019 at 12:58 IST

EXCLUSIVE: Here's how the IAF prepared for and carried out the pre-dawn strike crushing Pakistan terror camps to a pulp

Hours after a dozen IAF jets pounded terror camps across LoC, India confirmed the action, saying it had targeted the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the terror group involved that claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in which 40 jawans were martyred. 

Reported by: Daamini Sharma
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Hours after a dozen IAF jets pounded terror camps across LoC, India confirmed the action, saying it had targeted the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the terror group involved that claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in which 40 jawans were martyred. The top sources have told Republic TV that Prime Minister Modi supervised the operation as he was present in the situation room at South block during the strike.

Here are the full details of how the IAF prepared and carried out the pre-dawn strike crushing Pak terror camps to the pulp, as per top sources:

  1. Raksha Mantri was presented with multiple retaliatory options
  2. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanya drew up the plan for retaliatory air strikes
  3. Indian Army and Air Force stepped up the air surveillance along the LoC.
  4. Drones were also used for the surveillance
  5. Target spots were selected around Feb 20-21
  6. Two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were designated for the mission
  7. Early warning jet of Embraer platform and mid-air refueller did a trial run
  8. 12 Mirage 2000s, equipped with laser-guided bombs, take off in batches
  9. They fly at a low-level across LoC near Muzaffarabad
  10. The laser pods were used to pinpoint targets

Read: India Strikes Pakistan: PM Modi Supervised Operation; Was In Situation Room At South Block As IAF Decimated Jaish Terror Camps Across LoC, Confirm Top Sources To Republic TV

Moreover, Sources in the Ministry of Defense have informed Republic TV that the areal strike conducted by India on Pakistan was "a diplomatic strike". Moreover, MoD sources also informed that the strike was a clear "warning" in wake of the cowardly terror attack conducted by the Pak based terror outfit. As per the MoD sources, "this was not cross International border but way beyond LoC". The MoD sources termed it as "escalatory move”. As per MoD sources, the operation was conducted between 3:58 am and 4:04 am. Blueprint of the air operation was discussed with the Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman during her recent meeting with all the 3 Service chiefs in New Delhi. All the risk assessment was also done and Raksha Manti was informed that 10-15 IAF aircraft will be used.

Three locations were targeted by the Indian Air Force. Here is the timeline:

  • 3:45 am-3:53 am: The first strike was conducted at Balakot, 24 KM North West of Muzafarrabad.
  • 3:48 am- 3:55 am: The second strike, as per top sources, was at Muzafarrabad
  • Around 3:55 am: India's third blow was at Chakoti

The locations that were targeted by the Air Force included joint training camps of JeM, LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen.  

Read: India Strikes Back, Destroys Jaish-e-Mohammed Camps Across LoC: All We Know So Far

The reported strike comes days after the Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has escalated tensions between the two neighbours, with New Delhi vowing to take stern action against Islamabad.

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Published February 26th, 2019 at 12:58 IST

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