Latest news with #OperationSwiftRetort
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fake news galore in Indian media
Listen to article Indian media's reports about shooting down of a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jet were "a blatant lie and fake news", security sources said on Thursday, terming such reports a manifestation of Indian decision-makers' confusion and mental paralysis after the loss of dozens of drones in Pakistan. According to the sources, India had become increasingly disoriented following the failure of its recent Harop drone incursions. The Pakistan Armed Forces, they asserted, were fully prepared to counter any hostile designs and remained vigilant against India's nefarious intentions. "In a state of panic," a security source said, "India is now attempting to justify potential future aggression against Pakistan by fabricating stories of attacks in Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir [IIOJK]." Observers note a striking resemblance between the current disinformation campaign and India's fake narrative following the 2019 aerial skirmish during Operation Swift Retort. At that time, Pakistan shot down two Indian fighter jets in response to Indian airstrikes in Balakot. India, however, claimed that one of its pilots, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman - who was captured after ejecting from his downed MiG-21 — had managed to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was brought down. Pakistan denied the F-16 claim. Later that year, Foreign Policy magazine cited US defence officials, who had accounted for all Pakistani F-16s and found none missing — contradicting India's assertion. Following the report, the then military spokesperson stated: "India's claims about the attack and its consequences are false. It's time India told the truth about the loss of its second jet shot down by Pakistan." Despite the lack of independent verification, India's then president Ram Nath Kovind awarded Wing Commander Abhinandan the Vir Chakra — India's third-highest wartime military honour — for 'downing' a Pakistani F-16. Pakistan maintains its stance that two Indian jets were shot down in 2019, and that no PAF F-16 was lost in the exchange. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office categorically rejected the "baseless and irresponsible allegations propagated by the Indian media" of Pakistan launching attacks on Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Srinagar, saying that these claims were entirely unfounded, politically motivated, and reckless propaganda. The repeated pattern of levelling accusations against Pakistan without any credible investigation reflects a deliberate strategy to manufacture a pretext for aggression and to further destabilise the region," the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement late on Thursday. "Such actions not only further endanger regional peace but also reveal a disturbing willingness to exploit misinformation for political and military ends. We urge the international community to take serious note of this dangerous behaviour and to counsel India toward restraint and responsibility," he continued. "Any escalation based on false pretences will be met with full resolve and determination to safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan remains vigilant and firmly committed to peace, but it will not be deterred by attempts to provoke, intimidate, or mislead and reserves the right to respond to acts of aggression. These allegations are rejected in the strongest possible terms."
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Security sources dismiss Indian media's F-16 claim as 'fake news'
Security sources have categorically rejected Indian media reports claiming that a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jet was shot down, calling the story 'a blatant lie and fake news.' According to the sources, India has become increasingly disoriented following the failure of its recent Harop drone incursions. They claim that repeated setbacks have left Indian decision-makers 'paralysed and confused.' 'In a state of panic,' the sources allege, 'India is now attempting to justify potential future aggression against Pakistan by fabricating stories of attacks in Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Indian-Occupied Kashmir.' The Pakistan Armed Forces, they assert, are fully prepared to counter any hostile designs and remain vigilant against 'India's nefarious intentions.' Observers note a striking resemblance between the current disinformation campaign and India's disputed narrative following the 2019 aerial skirmish during Operation Swift Retort. At the time, Pakistan shot down two Indian fighter jets in response to Indian airstrikes in Balakot. India, however, claimed that one of its pilots, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman — who was captured after ejecting from his downed MiG-21 — had managed to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was brought down. Pakistan denied the F-16 claim. Later that year, Foreign Policy magazine cited US defence officials who had accounted for all Pakistani F-16s and found none missing — contradicting India's assertion. Following the report, the then military spokesperson stated: 'India's claims about the attack and its consequences are false. It's time India told the truth about the loss of its second jet shot down by Pakistan.' Despite the lack of independent verification, India's President Ram Nath Kovind awarded Wing Commander Abhinandan the Vir Chakra — India's third-highest wartime military honour — for 'downing' a Pakistani F-16. Pakistan maintains its stance that two Indian jets were shot down in 2019, and that no PAF F-16 was lost in the exchange.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
India on high alert with combat air patrols, warships and ground forces to meet Pak escalation
India has been put on high alert in both land, air and sea as New Delhi anticipates retaliation from Pakistan following Operation Sindoor read more India has been put on high alert as authorities in New Delhi anticipate retaliation from Pakistan following . A day after the mission conducted by the Indian force, New Delhi shored up its defences across the land, air and sea domains. In the early hours of Wednesday, the tri-service of the Indian military conducted Operation Sindoor. The precision strike targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan. The attack was a response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that led to the death of 26 tourists in Kashmir on April 22. According to The Times of India, the multi-layered air defence network is fully activated on several frontlines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The report noted that warships are deployed in the Arabian Sea, and the infantry units in the region are fully stocked and prepared to deal with any form of contingency. In terms of air, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting air patrols with fighter jets and is in close contact with the tri-Service Strategic Forces Command, which handles the country's nuclear arsenal. India ramps up its security All the commands of the Indian military have been put on high alert as a measure of 'abundant precaution. 'India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response. However, it must be said that Indian armed forces are fully prepared to respond to Pakistani misadventures, if any, that will escalate the situation,' warned Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot, at the briefing by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. According to TOI, the military and diplomatic circles are looking closely at what Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir's next move will be. A few days ago, Munir warned that the Indian 'military misadventure' would be met with a 'swift and notched-up response'. The Indian authorities believe that since Munir is making such proclamations, he has no option but to militarily respond to rally everyone around him in his beleaguered country. 'There will be great pressure on him to authorise some kind of a response,' a senior officer close to the matter told TOI. If we look at past tensions, Pakistan had managed to surprise India with its Operation Swift Retort. The attack took place a day after the IAF conducted the Balakot pre-dawn air strikes on February 26, 2019, in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed earlier that month. 'Lessons have been learnt. It will not be so easy this time. The armed forces have been preparing for the last 15 days and will not let their guard down,' another officer told TOI, admitting that India cannot simply make its airspace totally impregnable. In terms of land, the armed forces have inducted several new weapon systems since Balakot in 2019. Hence, the country's defence capabilities is much different from what it was. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India on high alert on land, air & sea
A view of the India Gate during a blackout as part of the nationwide drill, "Operation Abhyaas", in New Delhi. NEW DELHI: With a retaliation by Pakistan being considered likely, India has shored up its defences across the land, air and sea domains. The multi-layered air defence network is fully activated, several frontline warships are deployed in the Arabian Sea, and infantry units along the frontier are fully stocked and prepared to deal with any combat air patrols being flown by IAF fighter jets, even the tri-Service Strategic Forces Command, which handles the country's nuclear arsenal, has been put on a high alert as a measure of abundant precaution."India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response. However, it must be said that Indian armed forces are fully prepared to respond to Pakistani misadventures, if any, that will escalate the situation," warned Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot, at the briefing by foreign secretary Vikram feeling in military-diplomatic circles here, however, is that Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir, who just a few days ago warned that any Indian "military misadventure" would be met with a "swift and notched-up response", has no option but to militarily respond to rally everyone around him in his beleaguered country. "There will be great pressure on him to authorise some kind of a response," a senior officer had managed to surprise India with its ' Operation Swift Retort ' a day after the IAF conducted the Balakot pre-dawn air strikes on Feb 26, 2019, in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed earlier that month."Lessons have been learnt. It will not be so easy this time. The armed forces have been preparing for the last 15 days and will not let their guard down," another officer said, while acknowledging that a large country like India simply cannot make its airspace totally armed forces, on their part, have inducted several new weapon systems since Balakot in 2019. The Russian-origin S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, which can detect and destroy hostile strategic bombers, fighters, missiles and drones at a range of 380-km, for instance, are now part of the IAF's integrated air command and control system (IACCS).At the other end of the spectrum, there are the older Igla-1M air defence systems and the newer shoulder-fired Igla-S missiles with an interception range of up to between, there are the Israeli-origin Barak-8 medium range surface-to-air missile systems (70-km range), the indigenous Akash air defence missile systems (25-km) and the Israeli low-level Spyder quick-reaction anti-aircraft missiles (15-km).Many of these systems are plugged into the fully-automated IACCS network that combines a wide array of sensors and weapons. IACCS has been progressively expanded over the years to integrate the wide array of military radars with civilian radars. Apart from ground-based radars, the existing Netra and Phalcon airborne early-warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft are also part of this network.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan hit and stunned but in denial mode, its army says 'no Indian aircraft came here'
Even as Pakistan claimed to have mounted a counter-offensive to Operation Sindoor, it claimed that no Indian aircraft entered its airspace and no Pakistani aircraft crossed into Indian airspace read more Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet F-16 performs to commemorate Pakistan Air Force's 'Operation Swift Retort', following the shot down of Indian military aircrafts on February 27, 2019 in Kashmir, during an air show in Karachi, Pakistan February 27, 2020. (Photo: Reuters) Pakistan has said that neither any Indian aircraft entered its airspace nor any Pakistani aircraft crossed into Indian airspace in last night's military action. India said it struck nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) in the early hours of Wednesday in response to the Pahalgam attack. The military action was codenamed 'Operation Sindoor'. India blamed Pakistan for the attack in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan has said that the country's air and ground forces were pressed into action to conduct retaliatory strikes against India. However, even as Pakistan acknowledged Indian strikes and claimed to have responded to India, it said that no planes crossed borders. 'At no time, any of their aircraft were allowed to enter into Pakistan's airspace and also at no time, none of Pakistan's aircraft went into Indian airspace,' said Lieutenant General Ahmed Chaudhry, the principal spokesperson of the Pakistani military. Chaudhry further told the media that Pakistan responded fully to the Indian operation and destroyed 'several' Indian checkposts and struck a brigade headquarters inside India. India said in an initial that it struck only terrorist sites and not any military installation. Later at a press conference, an Indian official said that targets struck were engaged in terrorist activities against India. 'Operation Sindoor was launched to give justice to victims of heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and completely destroyed. For three decades, terror infrastructure has prospered in Pakistan that includes recruitment and indoctrination centres, training areas, and launchpads. These centres are spread over both Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK),' said Colonel Sofiya Qureshi at the briefing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
