Following the terrorist attack in Pulwama twelve days prior, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an aerial surgical strike. Their target was the Jaish-e-Mohammad’s (JeM) terror-training camp located in Balakot, a province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. The operation involved 12 Mirage-2000 fighter jets, acting on intelligence data indicating that 200-325 terrorists occupied the JeM site at the time.
India’s Statement
India has asserted that the strike was based on concrete intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the camp. By classifying it as an intelligence-led operation, India aimed to communicate to the international community that the airstrike was a well-considered move, not a random act. The declaration of the assault as a “non-military pre-emptive action” served two purposes; to reassure that it was not an action against the Pakistani military, and to assert that it wasn’t vengeance or retribution, but an act of self-defense to preempt a probable future terror attack.
International Response
Numerous nations, such as Australia and France, backed India’s air strike, recognizing its right to self-defence. They called on Pakistan to halt the activities of terrorist organizations formed within its territories. The U.S. urged both India and Pakistan to maintain restraint and sidestep further military activities to prevent escalation. Similarly, the British government encouraged diplomatic solutions. China advised restraint and efforts to enhance bilateral relations. Apart from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, no global criticism about India’s statements on the strikes was seen.
Analysis
The IAF’s strike on the JeM camp suggests that India can penetrate deep into Pakistan for self-defense purposes. The event establishes a new response threshold between the two nuclear neighbours in case of a terror attack. This was the first time Indian fighter jets have crossed the Line of Control since 1971.
On the diplomatic front, India is working towards isolating Pakistan. The UN Security Council condemned the Pulwama Attack and Pakistan has been greylisted by the Financial Action Task Forces (FATF). India has retracted Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation Status and has even taken it to the International Court of Justice over the death sentence issued to Indian citizen Kulbhushan Jadhav.
Understanding Surgical Strikes
A surgical strike is a swift, targeted assault on specific targets to neutralize them while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding areas and civilians. India launched such strikes in 2015 against insurgent groups in Myanmar and in 2016 against terror launch pads along the line of control in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir.
| Year | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Myanmar | Insurgent groups neutralized |
| 2016 | Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir | Terror launch pads neutralized |
How Are Surgical Strikes Carried Out?
These attacks can involve air raids, airdropping special ops teams or ground operations. Neutralizing targets with surgical strikes helps to avoid escalation into a full-blown war. These strikes are part of India’s Cold Start doctrine, and have proven valuable in deterring infiltration attempts by terrorist groups across the Line of Control.
Cold Start Doctrine
The ‘Cold Start’ doctrine of the Indian Armed Forces anticipates quick deployment of troops on the western border within days in case of a full-blown war. It lets Indian forces conduct sustained attacks while preventing a nuclear retaliation from Pakistan. The operation is carried out by a unified battle group, involving various branches of India’s military. Under this doctrine, the army should be prepared to undertake offensive operations within 48 hours of orders being issued.
Way Forward
Pakistan continues to deny any ground damage resulting from the Indian strike. This could negate the need for retaliatory strikes, or conversely, if Pakistan responds, it could escalate the situation. If Pakistan chooses to shut down terror camps within its borders, it could strengthen international relations and foster regional peace. However, eradicating terrorism will require sustained international diplomatic efforts by India, which includes pushing for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
Systems Used
Several systems were utilized in the operation, including the Dassault Mirage-2000, a French multirole, single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter. The ‘SPICE 2000’, a kit from Rafael of Israel that converts conventional bombs into smart munitions, was used. Additionally, the Crystal Maze Mk2, also known as AGM 142 Popeye, a precision-guided munition (PGM) was employed. Finally, the Israeli Phalcon and indigenous Netra early warning aircraft were used to monitor the mission, along with a Heron long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for monitoring and assessment.
