Pulwama attack and India's retaliation: Key facts about the strategic revenge you should know

It was on this day February 14, 2019, when India experienced one of its darkest days in the fight against terrorism. A suicide bomber, identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, drove an explosive-laden car into a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, resulting in the tragic death of 40 CRPF personnel.

The attack, claimed by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), was the deadliest terrorist incident in Kashmir in recent history. The convoy, carrying over 2,500 personnel, was targeted near Lethapora in the Pulwama district. Investigations revealed that the car used in the attack was a Maruti EECO, purchased in early 2019 and modified to carry approximately 200 kg of high-grade explosives, including RDX and gelatin sticks.

India's Retaliation: Operation Balakot:

In response to the Pulwama attack, India launched a decisive military operation on February 26, 2019. Codenamed 'Operation Bandar', it marked the first airstrike inside Pakistan since the 1971 war. A package of 12 Mirage 2000 bombers, armed with SPICE 2000 smart bombs and Crystal Maze missiles, took off from central India in the early hours.

JeM Training Camp Struck:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted JeM's largest terror training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, deep within Pakistani territory. The operation was meticulously planned and executed, utilizing advanced stealth technology that caught Pakistan by surprise. Indian officials claimed the strike was successful, killing a significant number of JeM terrorists, trainers, and senior commanders. However, Pakistan denied any casualties, stating that the bombs were dropped in an uninhabited wooded area.

Escalation and De-escalation:

The Balakot airstrike led to a rapid escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. On February 27, Pakistan retaliated with its own airstrikes in Indian Kashmir. During the ensuing aerial engagement, an Indian MiG-21 Bison was shot down, and its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured by Pakistan. 

This incident brought the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of a major war. However, tensions subsided largely due to international diplomatic pressure and Pakistan's decision to release the captured Indian pilot as a 'peace gesture'.

International Reaction and Diplomatic Fallout:

The Pulwama attack and subsequent military actions drew significant international attention. Several countries issued statements supporting India and condemning terrorism. The United States took a clear stance, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing solidarity with India in confronting terrorism. National Security Advisor John Bolton reportedly affirmed India's right to self-defense against cross-border terrorism.