We hit the intended targets: IAF on Balakot strikes

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force on Thursday said that its air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's training camp in Pakistan's Balakot were successful and managed to destroy the intended targets.


Addressing a joint press conference, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said there is credible information and evidence to show that the

IAF

strikes were successful and the military action produced the desired result.

Kapoor said it was up to the political leadership to decide when and how to release evidence of the Balakot strike's success.

Asked about the number of terrorists killed in the attack, IAF said it is premature to assess the casualties and damage.

On Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement to release Wing Commander Abhinandan Vartaman, Kapoor said, "We are very happy he will be freed tomorrow and look forward to his return."

He, however, dismissed suggestions that it was a goodwill gesture by Pakistan, insisting it was in line with the

Geneva Conventions

.

The IAF pilot was taken into custody by Pakistan after a fierce aerial confrontation yesterday during which a MiG-21 Bison shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet.

Kapoor was addressing the media along with the representatives of the Army and the Navy, who said the armed forces are on high alert and ready to meet any security challenge on land and sea.


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