The conflict between India and Pakistan at the Line of Control escalated on Wednesday, after Pakistan claimed to have undertaken strikes across the Line of Control from Pakistani airspace. Following this, reports say that India has shot down a Pakistani F-16 that violated Indian airspace.
According to ANI, “Pakistan Air Force's F-16 that violated Indian air space shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3KM within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, Nowshera sector.”
Pakistan Air Force's F-16 that violated Indian air space shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3KM within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, Nowshera sector. pic.twitter.com/8emKMVpWKi
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
The SSP of Budgam said that a military aircraft crashed in J&K’s Budgam, but that details are not clear so far. ANI quoted the SSP as saying, “Some aircraft has fallen. As of now we aren't in a position to ascertain anything. Technical team is here, they'll ascertain facts. We have found 2 bodies so far and have evacuated them. Search is going on here.”
SSP Budgam on military aircraft crash in J&Ks Budgam: Some aircraft has fallen. As of now we aren't in a position to ascertain anything. Technical team is here, they'll ascertain facts. We have found 2 bodies so far and have evacuated them. Search is going on here. pic.twitter.com/9YgEIwxFRw
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
On Wednesday morning, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi released a statement, that said, “Today, Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace. This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence. We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight.”
There is no confirmation on this from the Indian defence forces or the Indian government about these strikes.
Pakistan has also claimed that Indian Air Force has violated Pakistani airspace, and that an Indian Air Force Pilot has been taken into custody by them.
In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2019