Indian forces entered the Pakistan-administered Kashmir region and carried out multiple surgical strikes on extremist positions on Wednesday (28 September) night. Indian authorities say the terrorists suffered significant casualties even as specifics of the operation are yet to emerge.
At a quickly convened press conference, the Indian armys Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) revealed that at least eight strikes were successfully conducted. Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh told reporters that the counter-terror operations inflicted heavy damage on positions used as a launch pad for infiltration by the Islamists.
He said the Pakistani army was informed of the cross-border strikes. Indias external affairs ministrys spokesperson Vikas Swarup was also present at the joint media conference.
Despite persistently urging Pakistan to not allow territory under its control to be used for terrorist activities, nothing was done, said Singh, adding that the strikes were carried out considering very specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves to infiltrate.
Shortly after the Indian security agencies wrapped up the operation, leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, were briefed about the strikes.
Responding to the attack, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told reporters: Our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness. We are ready for the safety and defence of our country.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals reached a new high after the recent insurgent attack on an army base in Kashmirs Uri which killed 18 Indian soldiers.
