A IAF military aircraft crashes in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Security personals rushed to the crash site.2 bodies were recovered from wreckage, as the Police said. The crashed aircraft was IAF’s Mi-17 transport chopper.
The aircraft that crashed in Jammu & Kashmir's Budgam was IAF's Mi-17 transport chopper. https://t.co/mnyLB3G7gd
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
#SpotVisuals: Police on military aircraft crash in Jammu & Kashmir's Budgam, say, "Two bodies have been found at the crash site." pic.twitter.com/Tg2uFeJjdW
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
However, PAK Army, Major General Asif Ghafoor denied his side’s involvement in the crash in Budgam and said that they have no engagement in it.
DG ISPR, Pakistan, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor: There are reports of crash of an Indian aircraft on the Indian side (in Budgam), we had no engagement with that aircraft. pic.twitter.com/pWDYwVfoFR
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
But, Pakistan Army, DG ISPR, Major Gen. A Ghafoor took the responsibility of 2 IAF aircraft being shot down by them. He also said that 1 IAF pilot was arrested by their troops, from the aircraft that fell in their territory.
Major General A Ghafoor, DG ISPR, Pak Army: In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down 2 Indian aircraft inside Pak airspace. 1 aircraft fell inside AJ&K, other fell inside IOK. 1 Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground,2 in area pic.twitter.com/drXPdWXYfh
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
As reported by ANI, Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 aircraft was also shot down by the Indian retaliatory fire. The PAF’s F-16 violated Indian Air Space.
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
SSP BUDGAM, said that the IAF’s technical team will arrive at the crash site and ascertain facts. He further ensured the recovery of 2 bodies.
SSP Budgam on military aircraft crash: IAF's technical team will arrive and ascertain facts. Till now, we have found two bodies. pic.twitter.com/vk8K5c3Cbn
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
Also, today the airports in Jammu, Srinagar, Leh and Pathankot were put in high alert and airspace suspended amidst security reasons. Flight operations were also suspended in Amritsar Airport.
Airports in Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Pathankot in high alert. Airspace suspended due to security reason. Many commercial flights on hold. pic.twitter.com/p7T3nw9ObN
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
Pakistan also suspended its flight operations in various major airports in the country.
Pakistan immediately stops its domestic and international flight operations from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Islamabad airports. pic.twitter.com/nP3rHJr0Ky
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
Reports suggest that the Indian Air Force is now in the highest state of alert. IAF jets are in high state of readiness and can take off in two minutes. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel are also at the highest state of readiness, television reports add
Along with that , there were also reports of Pakistan Air Force violating the Indian Airspace in Rajouri sector. They also dropped bombs near Indian Army force. No casualties reported yet.
J&K: Pictures of craters formed from Pakistani bombs dropped near Indian Army post in Rajouri sector. Pic courtesy: Army sources) pic.twitter.com/bAqG1YW3AO
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
Also in a statement by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, citied that the strikes were non-military target, avoiding civilian casualties, to demonstrate the right and capability of self defence.
Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan's MoFA spokesperson: PAF undertook strikes across LoC from Pakistani airspace. Sole purpose of this action was to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence. We do not wish to escalate but are fully prepared if forced into that paradigm. pic.twitter.com/hSVlgYVsyX
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is holding a high-level meeting with NSA, RAW Chief and other officials in the wake of the circumstances.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is holding a high-level meeting at North block; NSA, RAW chief, Home Secretary and other officials present at the meeting https://t.co/dOrQVYTuxJ
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres is following the situation in the subcontinent and has called for “maximum restraint” by both countries, reports suggest.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Minister, in a press briefing expressed his thoughts that both India & Pakistan would try to solve the matter and bring stability to the region via dialogue and further restraint & avoid escalation of situation.
China's Foreign Min: Russia, China&India reaffirmed strong opposition to terrorism. At same time we (China) believe Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism. China appreciates statements from Indian&Pak friends saying they'll exercise restraint&avoid escalation of situation. pic.twitter.com/5eTQHU16L0
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
In a report by Reuters, Afghanistan said that the clashes between India & Pakistan, will affect Afghan peace process.
https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1100653956525633541
Also,The United States of America asked the Pakistan government to ensure meaningful actions against terror groups operating in its soil.
