Abhinandan’s return announcement in consonance with Geneva conventions: IAF

Pakistan had earlier announced that it will repatriate Abhinandan, who was captured by its armed forces.

Presenting the evidence of Pakistan’s aggression, Indian security forces on Thursday said the air force of the neighbouring country violated Indian airspace to “target our military installations” on February 27. A cover of AARAM missile fired from Pakistani F-16 aircraft found near the LoC in India was shown as evidence of Pakistan’s mission to reporters in a joint military press conference.

“There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission through their electronic signatures. Parts of AMRAAM, air to air missile which is carried only on the Pakistani F-16s was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory,” said Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor.

Pakistan has denied that F-16 was part of the operation–any such admission would violate US sale conditions of not letting Pakistan use F-16s in an offensive role.

Indian armed forces showed parts of Amraam missiles as proof that F-16 attacked Indian military establishment. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Stating that Pakistan aircraft targeted military installations, Kapoor added that PAF bombs were unable to damage any of India’s defence installations.

The defence forces said they are prepared for any misadventure by Pakistan. “We are ready for any misadventure by Pakistan and we are ready for resolute action. We want to ensure safety and security of our citizens,” said Navy Rear Admiral DS Gujral. India-Pak standoff

When asked about the number of casualties in the air strike at the Jaish terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26, Kapoor said, “it is premature to know the number of casualties”, adding, however, that “what was intended to be damaged was destroyed.”

Indian armed forces shows parts of Amraam missiles as proof that F-16 attacked Indian military establishment. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Major General Surendra Singh Mahal from Army said, “As long as Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, we will continue to target the terror camps.” India, on February 26, dropped a payload on a Jaish terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot in a “non-military pre-emptive action” in the wake of intelligence inputs of a possible attack by the terror organisation after the Pulwama attack on February 14.

Full text of armed forces’ joint presser

Navy Rear Admiral DS Gujral assured that the three defence forces are “ready for any misadventure by Pakistan and for resolute action. We want to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”