India-Pakistan standoff intensifies: IAF pilot captured after air combat; Pak F-16 shot down, India loses a MiG-21
What India has claimed
On February 26
#In an intelligence-led operation in the early hours, India struck the biggest training camp in JeM in Balakot.
#A very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated.
#This facility at Balakot was headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar (Alias Ustad Ghouri), the brother-in-law of Masood Azhar, chief JeM.
#This non-military preemptive action was specifically targeted at the JeM camp.
February 27
A statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs said
#Against India's Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully.
#In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force.
#The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side. In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts.
Later in the evening, MEA issued a demarche on the act of aggression by Pakistan
#A strong protest was lodged at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including by violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting Indian military posts.
#It was conveyed Indian reserves the right to take firm and decisive action.
#India strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention.
#Pakistan was advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return.
#A dossier on JeM was handed over.
What Pakistan has claimed
February 25
#On February 25, DG ISPR Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor tweeted that Indian aircraft intruded from Muzaffarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from PAF released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage.
#The photographs of the site where the bombs landed also shared from the official handle.
#Further tweets said intrusion was 3-4 miles into LoC.
February 26
#ISPR held a detailed press conference. Among other aspects, it talked about raids by IAF jets at three places but claimed intrusion took place only from Muzaffarabad sector.
#Calls for surprise retaliation
February 27
#Pakistan claimed PAF shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistan air space. One of the aircraft fell inside Pakistan held Kashmir and the other inside. One pilot was arrested by troops on ground while other two in area.
#Later it was claimed that there was only one IAF pilot under Pakistan's custody. He is identified as wing commander Abhinandan.
