India strikes back as Army conducts surgical strikes across LoC in Pakistan

Significant casualties inflicted on terrorists; Pakistani DGMO informed of strikes post operation

The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday night on launchpads where terrorists had amassed and positioned themselves to infiltrate into India, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh informed the gathered members of the press at the joint briefing following the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting held on Thursday.

According to Times Now, a total of eight surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian Army. There were no Indian casualties during the operation.

Singh said that the strikes were based on credible information and that the terrorists were poised to conduct attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and other major metros in the country. Singh revealed that significant casualties were inflicted on the terrorists in the operation.  

The DGMO added that he had contacted his Pakistani counterpart to inform him of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces on Wednesday night. 

"It has been a serious matter of concern that there has been continuing and increasing infiltrations by terrorists across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. This is reflected in the terrorist attacks at Poonch and Uri on September 11 and 18, respectively. Almost 20 infiltrations attempts have been foiled by the Indian Army successfully this year. During these attacks and infiltration attempts, we have recovered items, including global positioning systems and stores which have had Pakistani markings," the DGMO added.

Further, the DGMO said that Pakistani-origin terrorists, who have been captured, have also provided testimonies of their training in Pakistan. 

He added that fingerprint and DNA evidence from slain terrorists had been provided to Pakistan and that the same could be provided for the terrorists who were slain during the Poonch and Uri attacks.

Pakistan responds

According to NDTV, responding to the surgical strikes, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said: "We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness." 

Till Thursday morning, the Pakistani media had not reported on any such strikes.

However, according to Pakistani daily Dawn, the Pakistani Army's Inter-Services Public Relations said on Thursday that at least two Pakistan soldiers were killed as Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire over the LoC. 

The report added that the exchange of fire began at 2:30 am and continued till 8:00 am.