Live: Recognise India's legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terror, says France

Twelve Indian Air Force (IAF) Mirage 2000 fighters crossed the Line of Control in the wee hours of Tuesday and destroyed a major terrorist camp based in Pakistan.

Photo: Reuters

NEW DELHI: At last twelve Mirage 2000 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the Line of Control (LoC) at 3:30 AM on Tuesday and destroyed a massive Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot in which ''a large number of terrorists'' were eliminated. The IAF sources said the Mirage fighters dropped approximately 1000 kg of bombs on terror camps across the LoC and completely destroyed it. It was a "non-military, pre-emptive airstrikes" carried out by the IAF fighters across the Line of Control which mainly targeted terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistani military confirmed that the IAF jets entered deep into Pakistan and reached Balakot, a town in Mansehra district in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa before Pakistani Air Force tried to intercept them. Pakistani armed forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor claimed that IAF jets were intercepted by PAF near Balakot.

''The IAF fighters 'released payload in haste while escaping' which fell near Balakot,'' Major General Asif Ghafoor said. He added that there were no casualties or damage to the Pakistani side.

It has also emerged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed the real-time updates of IAF's pre-dawn operation to strike down terror camps in Pakistan on Tuesday. PM Modi supervised the entire operation from the situation room at Rashtrapati Bhavan's South Block. Top intelligence sources told Zee Media that multiple options were given to Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa who chalked out the entire strike plan. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had also detailed the PM on the IAF operation earlier. After the successful completion of the operation, top foreign diplomats of the US, China, Russia, UK, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey and six ASEAN nations were duly briefed about today's operation.

Here are the live updates:

26 February 2019

22:01 IST

Pakistan summons acting Indian High Commissioner, vows strong response after IAF raids in Balakot.

21:53 IST

France calls on India and Pak to exercise restraint to avert any risk of military escalation and preserve strategic stability in the region. Resumption of dialogue between Islamabad-New Delhi necessary to initiate peaceful settlement of differences, says acting spokesperson of France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs

21:52 IST

Recognise India's legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terror, says France

Acting spokesperson of France's Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs: France recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism and asks Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory.

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

21:49 IST

Army, Navy, IAF chiefs meet PM Modi and NSA Ajit Doval, discuss military preparedness in the event of any retaliation from Pakistan.

20:57 IST

Watch: People at Attari-Wagah border dance and celebrate IAF raids in Pakistan's Balakot.

#WATCH People seen dancing at Attari-Wagah border earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Fs6aJL0sHF

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

20:10 IST

The RSS congratulates the government and the IAF for the successful airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan, says it translated the feelings and anger of millions of Indians.

"We congratulate the GoI and the Indian Air Force for exactly translating the the feelings and anger of millions of Indians." - Suresh ( Bhaiyyaji) Joshi pic.twitter.com/ajj9BL8gZ2

— RSS (@RSSorg) 26 February 2019

19:53 IST

India had made it clear that terrorism must be eradicated, we had given many chances to Pakistan, therefore, India was forced to take action so that these things can be stopped: MoS VK Singh on IAF raids in Pakistan

19:48 IST

Cinema Exhibitors Association has boycotted Indian content, no Indian movie will be released in Pakistan. Also, I have instructed PEMRA to act against made in India advertisements, says Choudhary Fawad Hussain, Pakistan's I&B Minister.

Choudhary Fawad Hussain, Pakistan I&B Minister: Cinema Exhibitors Association has boycotted Indian content, no Indian movie will be released in Pakistan. Also have instructed PEMRA to act against made in India advertisements. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/UspJsa43tj

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

19:09 IST

I am happy that all parties in one voice praised the security forces and supported the Modi govt's anti-terror operations, says EAM Sushma Swaraj after all-party meet ends.

#WATCH EAM Sushma Swaraj after all party meeting: I am happy that all parties in one voice praised the security forces and supported the Govt's anti-terror operations. pic.twitter.com/AOaIhMIDln

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

19:04 IST

 In the all-party meeting today, EAM Sushma Swaraj informed the leaders that she spoke to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo over the IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot, reports ANI.

18:44 IST

We have appreciated the efforts of the armed forces, they always have our support to end terrorism. Another good thing is that it was a clean operation which specifically targeted terrorists and terror camps, says Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress after all-party meet:

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress after all-party meet: We have appreciated the efforts by the forces, they always have our support to end terrorism. Another good thing is that it was a clean operation which specifically targeted terrorists and terror camps. pic.twitter.com/iZ4r5BMGD9

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

18:42 IST

Punjab is on alert, I will be touring bordering areas on Wednesday. We are ready for any eventuality. I told the Union Home Minister that if there is anything that Punjab can do we are there to for the defence of our country: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

18:18 IST

Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector and Akhnoor sector. Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Krishna Ghati sector at 5:30 PM today, reports ANI.

#VISUALS Jammu & Kashmir: Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/ex7VHzG0c2

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

18:10 IST

Surgical strikes after Uri and now air strikes in self-defence, both have given the message to the world that for the security of the country, India's soldiers and government can go to any extent, says BJP chief Amit Shah.

Amit Shah, BJP President at a public rally in Ghazipur: Surgical strikes after Uri and now air strikes in self-defence, both have given the message to the world that for the security of the country, India's soldiers and government can go to any extent. pic.twitter.com/lAoSsDxYEp

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 26 February 2019

18:07 IST

 Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera sector and Akhnoor sector, hours after IAF's airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot, reports ANI.

17:29 IST

The all-party meeting called by EAM Sushma Swaraj hours after IAF carried out airstrikes targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot currently underway at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan. 

Delhi: Visuals from the all-party meeting called by EAM Sushma Swaraj at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/9FnQ59bFsQ

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

17:19 IST

Australia urges both sides to exercise restraint, avoid any action which would endanger peace and security in the region and engage in dialogue to ensure that these issues are resolved peacefully, says Australian FM Marise Payne.

17:11 IST

Australian government is concerned about relations between India and Pakistan following the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February, which Australia has condemned, says Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

16:55 IST

Pakistan will take international media to the area of IAF airstrikes, helicopters are being readied, right now weather is bad, will fly when weather permits, says Pak Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

16:51 IST

The country is in safe hands, it's will power of PM Modi that has led to the IAF action today. We had political leadership in PM Modi which decided this time to act. We acted in a responsible manner, protected India's interest and ensured that we didn't violate international norms, says BJP leader Ram Madhav.

Ram Madhav, BJP: Country is in safe hands, it's will power of PM that has led to the action today. We had political leadership in PM Modi which decided this time to act. We acted in a responsible manner, protected India's interest & ensured we didn't violate international norms. pic.twitter.com/uJks1ZALDv

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

16:43 IST

Pakistan destroying evidence after Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000 fighter jets raid JeM terror camps in Balakot, claim intelligence source. READ

16:41 IST

Pakistan has summoned joint Parliamentary session after IAF operation in Balakot, reports ANI.

16:40 IST

IAF airstrikes 'act of aggression', says Pakistan; PM Imran Khan orders forces to remain prepared for all eventuality, say reports.  

16:35 IST

Punjab has put its border districts on high alert in the wake of the IAF airstrikes across the Line of Control, undertaken by India as a retaliatory measure in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack: CM Amarinder Singh.

16:33 IST

Pakistan summons joint parliamentary session after IAF operation in Balakot, reports ANI.

15:57 IST

It's an excellent operation that has been undertaken. It was certain it'll happen, it was writing on the wall as PM had announced it. We've seen that earlier when PM announced after Uri we went in for surgical strike 1. This is surgical strike 2.0, says ex-Army Chief General Bikram Singh.

Ex-Army Chief General Bikram Singh: It's an excellent operation that has been undertaken. It was certain it'll happen, it was writing on the wall as PM had announced it. We've seen that earlier when PM announced after Uri we went in for surgical strike 1.This is surgical strike 2 pic.twitter.com/EJcvd99dJd

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

15:55 IST

''We have done what any self-respecting country would do. We are proud of what our forces have done for us. They are our shield, and they have behaved exactly like a shield. We are very proud. Salute to our fighters,'' says Kamal Hassan on IAF raids. 

Kamal Haasan on IAF strike at JeM camp in Balakot: We have done what any self-respecting country would do. We are proud of what our forces have done for us. They are our shield, and they have behaved exactly like a shield. We are very proud. Salute to our fighters pic.twitter.com/1sYt0Dno2u

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

15:53 IST

A total of six bombs were dropped on Pakistan-based terrorist camps by the IAF's Mirage 2000s fighters, reports ANI.

15:48 IST

Satisfied that Indian Govt has had such a rapid response in informing Heads of Missions. The info is that they did not affect any civilian or any Pak military installation, that it was direct attack due to credible intelligence received, says Hans Castellanos, Dean of Diplomatic Corps, according to ANI. 

Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Hans Castellanos: Satisfied that Indian govt has had such a rapid response in informing Heads of Missions. The info is that they did not affect any civilian or any Pak military installation, that it was direct attack due to credible intelligence received pic.twitter.com/scBAaGu8Ye

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

15:35 IST

India has committed uncalled for aggression to which Islamabad shall respond at the time and place of its choosing, says Pakistan's National Security Committee after a meeting chaired by PM Imran Khan, reports ANI.

15:32 IST

In Assam, Congress president Rahul Gandhi congratulates IAF pilots for Tuesday's successful airstrikes in Pakistan. 

Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Guwahati, Assam: We remember Maneshwar Basumatary (native of Assam) who was a martyr in Pulwama attack and we congratulate the pilots of the Air Force. pic.twitter.com/3PhVcHrh8u

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

15:26 IST

Other key Jaish figures targeted in today's IAF raids were - Mufti Azhar Khan Kashmiri, the head of Kashmir operations and Ibrahim Azhar, the elder brother of Masood Azhar who was also involved in the IC-814 hijacking, reported news age by ANI.

Key Jaish e Mohammed terrorists targeted in today’s air strikes: Mufti Azhar Khan Kashmiri, head of Kashmir operations(pic 1) and Ibrahim Azhar(pic 2), the elder brother of Masood Azhar who was also involved in the IC-814 hijacking pic.twitter.com/IUv1njNygA

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

15:25 IST

Chinese diplomat was also briefed by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on the IAF's airstrikes in Balakot, reports ANI.

15:22 IST

Foreign diplomats from the US, UK, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey and six ASEAN nations were briefed by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on IAF airstrikes across LOC in Pakistan's Balakot, reports ANI.

15:11 IST

According to news agency ANi, here are the key Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operatives targeted in today's air strikes:- Maulana Ammar (associated with Afghanistan and Kashmir ops) and Maulana Talha Saif (brother of Maulana Masood Azhar and head of its preparation wing).

Key Jaish e Mohammed operatives targeted in today’s air strikes: Maulana Ammar(in pic 1, associated with Afghanistan and Kashmir ops) and Maulana Talha Saif(pic 2), brother of Maulana Masood Azhar and head of preparation wing pic.twitter.com/rkEyCqvMJg

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

14:28 IST

Government sources said that Tuesday's operation was intelligence based counter terror strike not a military action for sake of war. The airstrikes demolished entire terror set up in the suicide bombing training centre in Balakot and over 300 terrorists were eliminated.

12:58 IST

JeM's Yusuf Azhar alias Mohammad Salim alias Ustaad Gohri who was targeted today by IAF in Balakot across LOC was on the Interpol list and among the most wanted in India.

JeM's Yusuf Azhar alias Mohammad Salim alias Ustaad Gohri who was targeted today by IAF #airstrike in Balakot across LOC was on the Interpol list and among the most wanted in India. pic.twitter.com/1eTj8FhFMJ

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

12:47 IST

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the airstrike was grave aggression by India against Pakistan. He added that this is a violation of LoC and Pakistan has the right to retaliate and self defence.

#JoshIsHigh: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the airstrike was grave aggression by India against Pakistan

LIVE - https://t.co/aVoV2HWZyn pic.twitter.com/iTd3Fgwh0H

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) 26 February 2019

12:32 IST

NSA Ajit Doval along with Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa is reviewing the security situation on the borders after IAF strikes at JeM terror camp in Balakot across LoC.

NSA Ajit Doval along with Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa is reviewing the security situation on the borders after #IndianAirForce strikes at JeM terror camp in Balakot across LoC. pic.twitter.com/LAu3dMPohE

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

12:23 IST

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has called an all-party meeting at 5pm today.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has called an all-party meeting at 5pm today. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/ByYTntwdFy

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

12:23 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has briefed both President and Vice-President about the  Indian Air Force strike at JeM terror camp in Balakot across LoC.

11:38 IST

India struck the biggest terror camp of Jaish in Balakot, many terrorists eliminated, said Vijay Gokhale

11:35 IST

 India struck the biggest terror camp of Jaish in Balakot in which large number of terrorists were eliminated, said Vijay Gokhale.

Vijay Gokhale: In an intelligence lead operation in the early hours today, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commander & Jihadis were eliminated pic.twitter.com/bdHGdZLhdU

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

11:34 IST

Jaish-e-Mohammad has been active in Pakistan for the last two decades and led by Azhar Masood, who is based in Bahawalpur, said Gokhale.

11:32 IST

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale briefs the media in Delhi on IAF's airstrikes inside PoK.

#WATCH: Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale briefs the media in Delhi https://t.co/Th0TjwO99o

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

11:26 IST

Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said that each time Pakistan will attack us, it will definitely get reply from Indian forces.

11:18 IST

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) Chief Kamal Haasan saluted the soldiers and said: "Our 12 return safely home after wreaking havoc on terrorist camps in Pakistan. India is proud of its heroes."

11:17 IST

Three attacks were carried out in Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad at 3.45 am, 3.48 am and 3 .58 am respectively.

11:16 IST

Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy and former UP Chief Minister Mayawati have also congratulated IAF over the air strikes.

11:10 IST

Union minister Prakash Javadekar has lauded IAF and said that necessary step is taken by Air Force.

11:05 IST

Air strikes in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region were based on locations provided by on ground intelligence sources.

11:01 IST

One of the targets destroyed by IAF Mirage jets was in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area of Pakistan, sources said.

Sources: One of the targets destroyed by IAF Mirage jets was in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area pic.twitter.com/QJtWeTxOfk

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

10:55 IST

Sources said that Pakistani F16s were scrambled to retaliate against IAF Mirage 2000s but turned back due to size of Indian formation. The operation was coordinated by Western Air Command.

10:54 IST

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has lauded IAF over the feat and created a new acronym for the Indian Air Force, saying IAF means "India's Amazing Fighters".

10:50 IST

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to address press conference on IAF operation at 11.30 am.

10:49 IST

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meet of the Central Government is over. The meeting was chaired by PM Modi.

10:46 IST

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has congratulated IAF for the strikes in PoK.

I salute the Indian Air Force and indeed all our Armed Forces. Congratulations @IAF_MCC

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) 26 February 2019

10:24 IST

Pakistan has denied that Indian aircrafts managed to cross LOC and completely destroyed terror camps in PoK.

Indian aircrafts’ intrusion across LOC in Muzafarabad Sector within AJ&K was 3-4 miles.Under forced hasty withdrawal aircrafts released payload which had free fall in open area. No infrastructure got hit, no casualties. Technical details and other important information to follow.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) 26 February 2019

10:20 IST

Sources said that around 300 terrorists from JeM, LeT and Hijbul Mujahideen are believed to be killed in the airstrike. 

10:18 IST

Sources said that JeM has a strong foothold in Balakot region. Besides JeM, LeT & Hijbul Mujahideen also have their operational headquarters in Muzzaffarabad and Kotli.

10:12 IST

Radio Pakistan confirmed that Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has summoned an emergency meeting in Islamabad to discuss the security situation. 

10:07 IST

Top government sources siad that the Balakot camp is spread around 6 to 7 acres and it is expected that at least 200 terrorists must have died in the airstrikes.

10:03 IST

Meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security underway at PM Modi's official residence 7, LKM.

Delhi: Meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security underway at 7, LKM pic.twitter.com/sCq0MZSB2u

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

09:59 IST

UP Minister Siddharth Nath Singh lauded the IAF, saying that it has showcased bravery while carrying out the strike. Singh also praised PM Modi for taking such actions against terrorism.

09:56 IST

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has tweeted saluting the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots for striking terror targets in Pakistan.

I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) 26 February 2019

09:55 IST

Laser-guided bombs were used by IAF Mirage 2000 fighter jets to decimate JeM terror camps within PoK.

09:50 IST

Indian Air Force has put on high alert all air defence systems along the LoC and international border to respond to any possible action by Pakistan.

09:47 IST

According to a report in Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has summoned an emergency meeting to review the situation after IAF's airstrikes.

09:45 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over the strikes. 

09:41 IST

PM Narendra Modi cleared strikes on terror camps in Pakistan within 24 hours of Pulwama terror attack.

09:39 IST

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has reacted to the airstrikes by saluting the pilots of Indian Air Force.

I salute the pilots of the IAF. 

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) 26 February 2019

09:37 IST

Minister of state for agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat posted a tweet appreciating PM Modi over the strikes. However, the government is yet to confirm the airstrikes.

09:35 IST

Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LoC destroyed in IAF air strikes. Sources said that JeM control rooms also destroyed.

Sources: Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LOC completely destroyed in IAF air strikes. JeM control rooms also destroyed pic.twitter.com/cSE0TjVsBS

— ANI (@ANI) 26 February 2019

09:31 IST

The Indian Air Force and Indian Army are likely to address a press conference soon to provide details about the IAF operation across the LoC.

09:29 IST

BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy has called the strike "self-defence", stressing that Pakistan is "our own territory".

We are bombing our own territory temporarily called PoK. So no international law broken but it is in self defence

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) 26 February 2019

09:14 IST

Sources said that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about operation and assessment. 

09:08 IST

Sources said that the decision to strike back Pakistan was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were martyred on February 14.

09:03 IST

Indian Army sources say the airstrike has destroyed Balakot, Chakoti, Muzaffarabad pads. The Alpha-3 control rooms of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad is also destroyed.

08:59 IST

The problem now becomes PM Imran Khan’s commitment to his country – “Pakistan will not think about responding, Pakistan WILL respond”. What shape will response take? Where will response be? Will India have to respond to Pakistan’s response?, asks former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.