Balakot has become instantly famous after the Indian Air Force launched a surprise attack into the territory of Pakistan and destroyed the terror launchpads of Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM). As per reports, the Indian pilots made the attack by dropping 1000 kilograms payloads in Balakot. It is a place used by the terrorist group to train militants and launch attacks against India.
IAF Cross LOC To Avenge Pulwama Attack
Apart from Balakot, the IAF also bombed the key areas of JeM including Chakothi, and Muzaffarabad. The fact that Balakot is placed in the Pakistani territory beyond Pakistan Occupied Kashmir has made the attack more significant. Incidentally, Muzaffarabad and Chakothi both are a part of the PoK and hence do not fall in the Pakistani territory. The IAF used 12 Mirage 2000 jets to launch the attack in these three areas at around 3.30 am.
The attack during which the IAF jets crossed the Line of Control for the first time in long years was made in response to the terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. The attack killed 40 innocent jawans of Central Reserve Police Force.
Where Is Balakot In Pakistan?
Balakot is located almost in the deep of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan province. In 2005, a massive earthquake destroyed this town. According to Ayesha Jalal, a renowned historian, ever since the earthquake, the place has evolved as the center point of Jihadi activities in South Asia. Balakaot is placed at a distance of around 18 miles from Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province.
It has always been a place exposed to terrorism and Jihad. It is a place where Raebareli’s Sayyid Ahmad and Shah Ismail waged a Jihadi war against Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the King of Sikh Kingdom on 6 May 1831. Ranjit Singh won the battle.
The place also serves as a gateway to the Kaghan Valley having Kashmir to the South and East. Its close proximity to Kashmir has made it a strategic location for the terrorist camps. The United States of America is also concerned about growing terrorism in this region.
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