2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes: Difference between revisions

 

{{EngvarB|date=November 2020}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}

| date              = 14 February 2019 – 22 March 2019<br />(1 month and 6 days)  

* 5–10 soldiers wounded<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1090365/heavy-shelling-reported-on-india-pakistan-border-5-soldiers-injured|title=Heavy shelling reported on India-Pakistan border; 5 soldiers injured|first=The Statesman/Asia News|last=Network|website=newsinfo.inquirer.net|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227112754/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1090365/heavy-shelling-reported-on-india-pakistan-border-5-soldiers-injured|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=tense/>

* 1 [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] shot down <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; pilot arrested|last=Dawn.com|date=27 February 2019|website=DAWN.COM|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227094831/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-claims-iafs-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-in-its-custody-releases-video-1466166-2019-02-27|title=Pakistan claims IAF's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in its custody, releases video|agency=Ist|newspaper=India Today|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227182047/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-claims-iafs-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-in-its-custody-releases-video-1466166-2019-02-27|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

* One Mi-17 helicopter shot down by [[friendly fire]]; all six airmen onboard killed; acknowledged by India on 4 October 2019.<ref name=defense-post>{{citation|title=India admits friendly fire downed Mi-17 helicopter in Kashmir|date=4 October 2019|location=Washington, DC|publisher=The Defense Post|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2019/10/04/india-mi-17-helicopter-kashmir-friendly-fire/|access-date=9 February 2021|last=AFP|first=Staff Writer|quote=The Indian Air Force confirmed for the first time on Friday, October 4 that it shot down one of its own Mi-17 helicopters during clashes with Pakistan in February over Kashmir, killing all six on board.}}</ref>

* 1 [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]] shot down (Pakistani claim)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/pakistan-shoots-down-two-indian-air-force-jets-amid-escalating-tension-a4077481.html|title=Pakistan shoots down two Indian Air Force jets as tensions escalate|date=27 February 2019|website=Evening Standard|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228010334/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/pakistan-shoots-down-two-indian-air-force-jets-amid-escalating-tension-a4077481.html|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/2-iaf-pilots-feared-dead-as-mig-crashes-in-kashmir-s-budgam-1466030-2019-02-27|title=2 IAF pilots feared dead as MiG crashes in Kashmir's Budgam|website=India Today|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227072407/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/2-iaf-pilots-feared-dead-as-mig-crashes-in-kashmir-s-budgam-1466030-2019-02-27|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-says-it-has-shot-down-two-indian-jets-in-its-airspace/2019/02/27/054461a2-3a5b-11e9-a2cd-307b06d0257b_story.html|title=Pakistan captures Indian pilot after shooting down aircraft, escalating hostilities|website=Washington Post|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227172333/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-says-it-has-shot-down-two-indian-jets-in-its-airspace/2019/02/27/054461a2-3a5b-11e9-a2cd-307b06d0257b_story.html|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

* 4 civilians killed<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|title=Jet downing raises India-Pakistan tension|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|via=bbc.com|work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227074808/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="thenews.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/437606-four-martyred-in-indian-shelling-at-loc|title=Six martyred in Indian shelling at LoC|website=thenews.com.pk|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227095551/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/437606-four-martyred-in-indian-shelling-at-loc|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="voanews.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/india-pakistan-again-shell-kashmir/4810490.html|title=Deadly Pakistan-India Border Skirmishes Continue in Kashmir|website=VOA|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302155937/https://www.voanews.com/a/india-pakistan-again-shell-kashmir/4810490.html|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

* One civilian injured (Pakistani claim)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-idUSKCN1QF07B|title=India launches air strike in Pakistan; Islamabad denies militant...|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|via=reuters.com|newspaper=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226174805/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-idUSKCN1QF07B|archive-date=26 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-villagers-idUSKCN1QF0PX|title=Pakistani villagers say one person wounded in Indian air strike|date=26 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|via=reuters.com|newspaper=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226163751/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-villagers-idUSKCN1QF0PX|archive-date=26 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

* 1 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] and 3 [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]] shot down (Indian claim)<ref name="mea.gov.in" /><ref name="HinduDrone">{{cite news |title=Pak drone shot down near Gujarat border |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pak-drone-shot-down-near-gujarat-border/article26372772.ece |access-date=26 February 2019 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=26 February 2019 |language=en-IN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228052430/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pak-drone-shot-down-near-gujarat-border/article26372772.ece |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistani-military-drone-shot-down-in-sri-ganganagar-sector-near-indo-pak-border-1474138-2019-03-09|title=Pakistani military drone shot down in Sri Ganganagar sector near Indo-Pak border|agency=Ist|newspaper=India Today}}</ref>

* 10–12 civilians killed<ref name="BBC News" /><ref name="thenews.com.pk" /><ref name="voanews.com" />

</ref> India, confirming the airstrike later that day, characterized it to be a [[Preemptive war|preemptive strike]] directed against a [[terrorist training camp]], and claimed that it had caused the deaths of a "large number" of terrorists.<ref name="mea-balakot"/><ref name="SlaterConstable2019">

The [[2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes|second airstrike]], a retaliatory one by Pakistan,<ref>{{citation|title=India and Pakistan engage in a high-stakes game of brinkmanship|author=Amy Kazmin|journal=Financial Times|date=1 March 2019|url=https://www.ft.com/content/3705ee32-3c17-11e9-b856-5404d3811663|access-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330194456/https://www.ft.com/content/3705ee32-3c17-11e9-b856-5404d3811663|archive-date=30 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Quote: "A day after India’s strike, Pakistan retaliated, sending planes to attack military installations in India."</ref> was conducted in the daytime on February 27, inside Indian-administered Kashmir. A [[dogfight]] between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets during this airstrike resulted in the downing of an Indian [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21 Bison]] by the [[Pakistan Air Force]], following which its pilot, [[Wing commander|Wing Commander]] [[Abhinandan Varthaman]], was taken prisoner by the Pakistani military before being returned to India on March 1.<ref name=slater-constable>{{citation|title=Pakistan captures Indian pilot after shooting down aircraft, escalating hostilities|author1=Joanna Slater |author2=Pamela Constable|journal=Washington Post|date=27 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Deadly Shelling Erupts in Kashmir Between India and Pakistan After Pilot Is Freed|author1=Jeffrey Gettleman|author2=Hari Kumar|author3=Samir Yasir|journal=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/world/asia/kashmir-shelling-india-pakistan.html|date=2 March 2019|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042824/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/world/asia/kashmir-shelling-india-pakistan.html|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{citation|author1=Joanna Slater|title=Pakistan captures Indian pilot after shooting down aircraft, escalating hostilities|date=27 February 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pakistan-says-indian-fighter-jets-crossed-into-its-territory-and-carried-out-limited-airstrike/2019/02/25/901f3000-3979-11e9-a06c-3ec8ed509d15_story.html|journal=Washington Post|df=dmy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315093125/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pakistan-says-indian-fighter-jets-crossed-into-its-territory-and-carried-out-limited-airstrike/2019/02/25/901f3000-3979-11e9-a06c-3ec8ed509d15_story.html|access-date=30 March 2019|archive-date=15 March 2019|author2=Pamela Constable|url-status=live}} Quote: The two days of tit-for-tat airstrikes ... the first since 1971, were triggered by a Feb. 14 terrorist bombing in Indian-controlled Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel."</ref>  An Indian Mi-17 helicopter was brought down by [[friendly fire]] in which all six airmen on board were killed; this was acknowledged by India on 4 October 2019.<ref name="defense-post" />

On 10 April 2019, one and a half month later, a group of international journalists, who were taken to the Jaba hilltop in a tightly controlled trip arranged by the [[Government of Pakistan|Pakistani government]], although unable to make a knowledgeable evaluation,<ref name="reuters-11april-inconclusive">{{citation|author1=Martin Howell|title=Inside the Pakistani Madrasa Where India Said It Killed Hundreds of 'Terrorists|date=April 11, 2019|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-madrasa/inside-the-pakistani-madrasa-where-india-said-it-killed-hundreds-of-terrorists-idUSKCN1RN0XT|journal=Reuters|df=dmy-all|access-date=2 August 2019|author2=Salahuddin}}</ref><ref name=abc-14april/> found the largest building there to show no evidence of damage or recent rebuilding efforts.<ref name=reuters-11april>{{citation|title=Inside the Pakistani Madrasa Where India Said It Killed Hundreds of 'Terrorists|date=April 11, 2019|author1=Martin Howell|author2=Salahuddin|journal=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan-madrasa/inside-the-pakistani-madrasa-where-india-said-it-killed-hundreds-of-terrorists-idUSKCN1RN0XT|access-date=2 August 2019|df=dmy-all}} Quote: "Those visiting the site on Wednesday didn't see any signs that there had been significant building work to either clear structures or erect new ones. And the vegetation didn't appear to have suffered the stress that might be expected from a missile attack. ... The main madrasa building itself doesn't appear to be reinforced in any major way - it has a metal roof with some modest wooden beams."</ref><ref name=bbc-april-10>{{citation|title=Balakot air strike: Pakistan shows off disputed site on eve of India election|date=10 April 2019|author=BBC|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47882354|access-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411163315/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47882354|archive-date=11 April 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Quote: "They were given access to an Islamic school in Balakot, where Indian media say militants were killed in retaliation for an attack in Kashmir.  The large building appeared to be fully intact ..."</ref><ref name=afp-balakot>{{citation|title=Pakistan takes media, diplomats on visit to Indian strike site|author=Agence France Presse|agency=AFP|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190411-pakistan-takes-media-diplomats-visit-indian-strike-site|work=france24|date=April 11, 2019|access-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419094356/https://www.france24.com/en/20190411-pakistan-takes-media-diplomats-visit-indian-strike-site|archive-date=19 April 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Quote: "International outlets which visited the Indian air strike site in Pakistan found no evidence of a major terrorist training camp -- or of any infrastructure damage at all."</ref><ref name=abc-14april>{{citation|title=The remote school at the centre of a dispute between nuclear neighbours Pakistan and India|author=Siobhan Heanue|journal=Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-14/india-pakistan-tensions-the-remote-school-at-centre-of-dispute/10996826|date=April 14, 2019|access-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413195826/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-14/india-pakistan-tensions-the-remote-school-at-centre-of-dispute/10996826|archive-date=13 April 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Quote: "It was at the centre of a clash that almost brought two nuclear nations to war, but exactly what goes on inside a small madrasa on a hilltop near Kashmir remains a mystery.  One thing is clear: India's claim that it destroyed a militant training camp and killed more than 300 extremists cannot be backed up by the evidence. More than a month after India launched airstrikes inside Pakistan in retaliation for a militant attack that killed 40 paramilitary troops in Kashmir, foreign media have been allowed to see the areas hit."</ref>

As of now, the [[Line of Control]] demarcates the areas of administration: Pakistan administers the [[Azad Kashmir|territory to the northwest]] of the line; India administers the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|territory to the southeast]].<ref name="nytimes0305">{{Cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/world/asia/india-pakistan-crisis.html,%20https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/world/asia/india-pakistan-crisis.html|title= Why Do India and Pakistan Keep Fighting Over Kashmir?|last= Goel|first= Vindu|date= 2019-02-27|work= The New York Times|access-date= 2019-03-05|language= en-US|issn= 0362-4331}}</ref> Since 1989, a [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|militant-fueled insurgency]] has raged in Indian-administered Kashmir, driven by a desire for either independence or union with Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/10537286|title= Why India and Pakistan dispute Kashmir|date= 2019-02-27|access-date= 2019-03-06|language= en-GB|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181224045738/https://www.bbc.com/news/10537286|archive-date= 24 December 2018|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/6.stm|title= BBC NEWS|website= news.bbc.co.uk|access-date= 2019-03-06|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181118091301/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/6.stm|archive-date= 18 November 2018|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>[http://ucdp.uu.se/#conflict/364 Conflict Encyclopedia – India: Kashmir] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001172908/http://ucdp.uu.se/|date=1 October 2017}}, [[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]], 29 May 1977, retrieved 2013-05-29,</ref> The [[United Nations]] has stated Pakistan was providing material support to the militants<ref>{{citation|author1=Joanna Slater|title=Modi vows action after dozens die in deadliest attack in Indian-held Kashmir in 3 decades|date=February 15, 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|journal=Washington Post|df=dmy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217015242/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=17 February 2019|author2=Niha Masih|url-status=live}} Quote: "India and the United States accuse Pakistan of supporting and sheltering militants who launch attacks into Indian-held territory, something Pakistan denies."</ref> and stated India was committing human rights violations.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/why-the-kashmir-conflict-is-not-just-an-india-pakistan-border-dispute Why the Kashmir conflict is not just an India-Pakistan border dispute] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305231154/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/why-the-kashmir-conflict-is-not-just-an-india-pakistan-border-dispute |date=5 March 2019 }}, ''[[PBS]]'', March 9, 2019.</ref>

''[[Business Today (India)|Business Today India]]'' stated that the area around Balakot had been cordoned off by the Pakistan Army and evidences such as the dead bodies were being cleared from the area.<ref name="BT_26_feb">{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/pakistan-trying-to-hide-dead-body-of-terrorists-in-balakot-tries-to-debunk-india-claims-source/story/322532.html|title=Pakistan trying to hide dead bodies of terrorists in Balakot, debunks India's claims: Source|date=26 February 2019|work=businesstoday.in|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301080433/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/pakistan-trying-to-hide-dead-body-of-terrorists-in-balakot-tries-to-debunk-india-claims-source/story/322532.html|archive-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> [[Praveen Swami]] writing for [[Firstpost]] said that Indian intelligence estimated a figure of about 20 casualties and that there were five confirmed kills per burial records.<ref name="firstpost0302">{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/property-records-nail-pakistani-lie-on-jaish-e-mohammed-hq-in-bahawalpur-finds-firstpost-investigation-6177441.html|title=Property records nail Pakistani lie on Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ in Bahawalpur, finds Firstpost investigation|website=Firstpost|date=March 2019|access-date=2019-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306053543/https://www.firstpost.com/india/property-records-nail-pakistani-lie-on-jaish-e-mohammed-hq-in-bahawalpur-finds-firstpost-investigation-6177441.html|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He also said there was a JeM rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on 28 February, wherein [[Masood Azhar]]'s brother, Abdul Rauf Rasheed Alvi mentioned India's attack of their headquarters and vowed revenge.<ref name="firstpost0302" /> In another piece he stated that RAW analysts estimated 90 casualties including three Pakistani Army trainers, based on intercepted communications.<ref name=":1" /> Swami also said there was a lack of witness testimony to independently assess the validity of above statements.<ref name=":1" />

Throughout 27 February, heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces continued along the [[Line of Control]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fxstreet.com/news/india-pakistan-reportedly-exchange-heavy-fire-on-line-of-control-usd-inr-may-extend-gains-201902271402|title=India-Pakistan reportedly exchange heavy fire on Line of Control – USD/INR may extend gains|website=FXStreet|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227194659/https://www.fxstreet.com/news/india-pakistan-reportedly-exchange-heavy-fire-on-line-of-control-usd-inr-may-extend-gains-201902271402|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Ten Indian soldiers were injured along with two residential houses being destroyed in the skirmishes.<ref name=tense>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-pakistan-army-tanks-loc-sialkot-sector-situation-tense-sources-1465911-2019-02-27|title=J&K: Pakistan army uses tanks on LoC in Sialkot sector, situation tense, say sources|agency=Ist|newspaper=India Today|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130304/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-pakistan-army-tanks-loc-sialkot-sector-situation-tense-sources-1465911-2019-02-27|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Pakistani Army stated that on March 1, two of its soldiers were killed by firing from the Indian Army at the Line of Control.<ref name="ChicagoTribune">{{cite web |author1=Roshan Mughal |author2=Aijaz Hussain |title=8 killed in India-Pakistan fighting after return of downed Indian fighter pilot |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-india-pakistan-kashmir-20190302-story.html |publisher=[[ChicagoTribune]] |access-date=3 March 2019 |date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302215616/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-india-pakistan-kashmir-20190302-story.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Shelling across the Line of Control killed a [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Kashmiri]] woman and her two sons after a shell landed on their home, with another civilian being critically wounded.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} On 6 and 7 March, Pakistani and Indian forces exchanged heavy artillery fire along the line of control, with Pakistani forces using 130&nbsp;mm and 105&nbsp;mm artillery and 120&nbsp;mm mortars.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes">{{cite news |last1=Gurung |first1=Shaurya Karanbir |title=Army uses Bofors guns to respond to border shelling by Pakistan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-uses-bofors-guns-to-respond-to-border-shelling-by-pakistan/articleshow/68296755.cms |website=The Economic Times |date=7 March 2019}}</ref> In response to the Pakistani artillery fire, the Indian army began utilizing [[Haubits FH77|155mm FH77B Bofors]] cannons against Pakistani positions.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes"/>

On 27 February, Pakistani military officials announced that Pakistan had carried out an airstrike against multiple targets in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. A military spokesman claimed that the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) was able to lock onto Indian military installations, but opted to drop weapons into open areas instead, "to avoid human loss and collateral damage.{{Unbalanced opinion|date=July 2021}}<ref name="nation.com.pk">{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|title=Pakistan had no choice but to respond, says DG ISPR|date=27 February 2019|website=The Nation|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227124156/https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Pakistan's Prime Minister [[Imran Khan]] said that the airstrikes only aimed to "send a message" and appealed for negotiations to avoid a full-blown war.<ref name="guardian">"[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/27/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-appeals-talks-india-war-kashmir Pakistan PM Imran Khan appeals for talks with India to avoid war] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227175649/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/27/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-appeals-talks-india-war-kashmir |date=27 February 2019 }}", ''[[The Guardian]]''</ref> The spokesman further said that the Pakistan Air Force had shot down two Indian aircraft after they encroached on Pakistan's airspace, one of which fell in Pakistan administered Kashmir while the other fell in Indian administered Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html|title=Pakistan shoots down two Indian fighter jets: Military|website=aljazeera.com|access-date=2019-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228124544/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; pilot arrested|date=2019-02-27|website=DAWN.COM|language=en|access-date=2019-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227111650/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was also stated that [[Pakistan Army]] had captured two Indian pilots, one of whom was said to be injured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital.<ref name="cnn-27feb">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html|title=Pakistan says it shot down two Indian jets as Kashmir border crisis deepens|website=CNN|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227081256/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; 2 pilots arrested|last=Dawn.com|date=27 February 2019|website=DAWN.COM|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227094831/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> But a subsequent statement revised the count down to one–[[Abhinandan Varthaman]], a Wing Commander.<ref name="auto"/> The other pilot Pakistan Army claimed to have captured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital is claimed to be the downed F-16 pilot.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Joshi|first=Sameer|date=7 April 2019|title=In PAF lies & subterfuge, an F-16 tail number & a PAF pilot -both hidden to serve a myth|work=The Print|url=https://theprint.in/defence/in-paf-lies-subterfuge-f-16-tail-number-paf-pilot-both-hidden-to-serve-myth/218125/|access-date=20 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=|date=2019-04-08|title=With radar images, IAF proves F-16 was shot down, exposes Pakistan|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/with-radar-images-iaf-proves-f-16-was-shot-down-exposes-pakistan-119040801312_1.html|access-date=2021-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharan|first=Sunil|date=2019-05-01|title=The mystery of the missing F-16|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/strategic-insights/the-mystery-of-the-missing-f-16/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-20|website=Times of India Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>

India rejected this version of events and stated to have "successfully foiled" Pakistan's attempt to "target military installations".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tension-in-the-air-iaf-paf-lose-a-jet-each-pilot-in-pakistan-custody/articleshow/68192759.cms|title=Tension in the air: IAF, PAF lose a jet each; pilot in Pakistan custody – Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228031452/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tension-in-the-air-iaf-paf-lose-a-jet-each-pilot-in-pakistan-custody/articleshow/68192759.cms|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> An [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) official statement hours after the airstrike stated that bombs had been dropped on Indian army [[Compound (fortification)|formation compounds]], but there was no damage to military installations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/tri-services-speak-in-one-voice-against-pakistani-misadventurism/articleshow/68205750.cms?from=mdr|title=We are on heightened state of readiness: Defence forces|website=The Economic Times|access-date=5 April 2019|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Indian military later stated that three Pakistan Air Force jets had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from [[Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir]] and had dropped bombs over Nadian, Laam Jhangar, Kerri in [[Rajouri District]] and Hamirpur area of Bhimber Galli in [[Poonch district, India|Poonch]], before being pushed  back by six Indian airforce jets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/02/27/pakistan-jets-violate-indian-air-space-kashmir-nowshera-drop-bombs.html|title=Pakistan jets violate Indian airspace in Kashmir's Nowshera, drop bombs|website=The Week|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227100228/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/02/27/pakistan-jets-violate-indian-air-space-kashmir-nowshera-drop-bombs.html|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/hwnews+in-epaper-hwnws/pakistani+jets+violate+indian+air+space+enter+border+areas+of+nowshera+sector+in+j+k+s+rajouri+district-newsid-109815298|title=Pakistani jets violate Indian air space, enter border areas of Nowshera sector in J-K's Rajouri district – Hwnews.in|website=Dailyhunt|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228004348/https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/hwnews+in-epaper-hwnws/pakistani+jets+violate+indian+air+space+enter+border+areas+of+nowshera+sector+in+j+k+s+rajouri+district-newsid-109815298|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistani-jets-violate-indian-air-space-in-jks-nowshera/articleshow/68179676.cms|title=Indian pilot 'missing in action'; IAF shoots down Pakistan's jet: What we know so far – Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227111730/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistani-jets-violate-indian-air-space-in-jks-nowshera/articleshow/68179676.cms|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There were no damage or casualties.<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-fighter-jets-violate-loc-indian-air-force-airstrike-jammu-kashmir-nowshera-rajouri-1466040-2019-02-27|title=Pakistani jets cross LoC, Indian Air Force takes down one F-16|newspaper=India Today|access-date=27 February 2019|agency=Ist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227071807/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-fighter-jets-violate-loc-indian-air-force-airstrike-jammu-kashmir-nowshera-rajouri-1466040-2019-02-27|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Raveesh Kumar from the [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Indian Ministry of External Affairs]] also stated that a Pakistani aircraft<!--Do not add F-16 here, the statement does not explicitly mention it. The claim was made by Indian news reports, not MEA --> of the sortie was shot down by the [[Indian Air Force]] in the process.<ref name="mea.gov.in">{{cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/31098/Statement_by_Official_Spokesperson_on_27_February_2019|title=Statement by Official Spokesperson on 27 February 2019|website=mea.gov.in|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227181051/https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl%2F31098%2FStatement_by_Official_Spokesperson_on_27_February_2019|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|title=India Pakistan: Kashmir fighting sees Indian aircraft downed|date=27 February 2019|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=27 February 2019|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227074808/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Indian defence sources initially contradicted Pakistan's statement of capturing a pilot<ref>M. Ilyas Khan, [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418 Abhinandan: Villagers recount dramatic capture of pilot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013431/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418 |date=1 March 2019 }}, ''[[BBC News]]''</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-pakistan-says-it-has-shot-down-two-iaf-jets-inside-its-territory-captured-one-indian-pilot/326198|title = India Denies Any of Its Jets Shot Down by Pakistan}}</ref> but subsequently the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed<ref name="mea.gov.in" /> that an Indian pilot was missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/india-pak-tensions-live-iaf-wing-commander-missing-after-mig-21-crash-pakistan-claims-he-is-in-their-custody-says-govt-2049727.html|title=India-Pak Tensions LIVE: IAF Wing Commander Missing After MiG-21 Crash, Pakistan Claims He is in Their Custody, Says Govt|date=27 February 2019|website=News18|access-date=27 February 2019}}</ref>

On 5 March, the [[Pakistani Navy]] claimed to have successfully warded off an intrusion attempt by an Indian submarine into its [[territorial waters]] and released a video of a surfaced submarine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-navy-claims-it-thwarted-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters/story-Bh2jiJolHkHK8dnPthmj6O.html|title=Pakistan Navy claims it thwarted Indian submarine from entering its waters|date=2019-03-05|work=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305123212/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-navy-claims-it-thwarted-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters/story-Bh2jiJolHkHK8dnPthmj6O.html|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-navy-indian-navy-submarine-video-1470645-2019-03-05|title=Pakistan claims it chased away Indian Navy submarine, releases video|work=India Today|language=en|access-date=5 March 2019|date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305105951/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-navy-indian-navy-submarine-video-1470645-2019-03-05|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1467778|title=Pakistan Navy foils attempt by Indian submarine to enter Pakistani waters|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|date=2019-03-05|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|language=en|access-date=2019-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305123659/https://www.dawn.com/news/1467778|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Indian Navy]] subsequently rejected these statements as "false propaganda."<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan's claims on Indian submarine false propaganda: Navy |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/false-propaganda-navy-rubbishes-pak-claims-on-indian-submarine/articleshow/68272945.cms |access-date=5 March 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=5 March 2019}}</ref>

On 27 February, Pakistan cancelled all commercial flights and closed its airspace until the midnight of 28 February.<ref name="DawnStranded">{{cite news |title=Thousands stranded in Thailand, a day after Pakistan closes airspace |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466654/thousands-stranded-in-thailand-a-day-after-pakistan-closes-airspace |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=DAWN.COM |date=28 February 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228104801/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466654/thousands-stranded-in-thailand-a-day-after-pakistan-closes-airspace |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="DawnAirspace">{{cite news |first1=Sirajuddin |last1=Qazi Hassan |title=Pakistani airspace to remain closed till Thursday midnight |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466348 |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=DAWN |date=27 February 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227200352/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466348 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A [[NOTAM]] was issued by the [[Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority]] to close the airspace.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100668226386649089|title=Civil Aviation Authority of #Pakistan has officially closed its airspace until further notice & issued NOTAM. pic.twitter.com/qGZBMiKxvG|last=Pakistan|first=C. A. A.|date=2019-02-27|website=@AirportPakistan|language=en|access-date=2019-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228105317/https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100668226386649089|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Airlines were required to reroute or cancel their flights with routes planned over Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=India-Pakistan tensions force airlines to cancel and reroute flights {{!}} DW {{!}} 28.02.2019 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-tensions-force-airlines-to-cancel-and-reroute-flights/a-47720001 |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=[[Deutsche Welle]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228100204/https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-tensions-force-airlines-to-cancel-and-reroute-flights/a-47720001 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> On 1 March, the NOTAM closing the airspace was extended until 8:00 AM ([[UTC]]) on 4 March with 23 exceptions listed.<ref>https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/upload/Notams/A210-19.txt{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Pakistan's airspace was closed for flights crossing the country's airspace except for arriving and departing flights at major airports in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/NOTAMS/NotamView.aspx|title=Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS)|website=www.caapakistan.com.pk}}</ref> The airspace closure was again repeatedly extended,.<ref name="DT_airspace">{{cite news |title=Pakistan closes its airspace till March 11 |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/363185/pakistan-closes-its-airspace-till-the-march-11/ |access-date=10 March 2019 |work=Daily Times |date=9 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="HinduAirspace">{{cite news |last1=Haidar |first1=Suhasini |last2=Chandra |first2=Jagriti |title=Pakistan airspace closure hits Afghan, Kazakh, Russian airlines |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/pakistan-airspace-closure-hits-afghan-kazakh-russian-airlines/article26714533.ece |access-date=3 April 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=2 April 2019 |language=en-IN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403071712/https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/pakistan-airspace-closure-hits-afghan-kazakh-russian-airlines/article26714533.ece |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="TH_aispaceBan">{{cite news |last1=Chandra |first1=Jagriti |title=Pakistan extends ban on use of its airspace for flights till June 15 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-extends-ban-on-use-of-its-airspace-for-flights-to-june-15/article27282736.ece |access-date=29 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=29 May 2019 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pakistan-airspace-closure-costs-over-rs-548-crore-to-indian-airlines-1562254701059.html|title=Pakistan airspace closure costs over ₹548 crore to Indian airlines|date=4 July 2019|website=Livemint}}</ref> The Pakistan finally opened its airspace for all civilian aircraft on 15 July 2019, after 140 days.<ref name="AirspaceOpens">{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |title=Pakistan reopens airspace for all civilian traffic; Indian flights to operate soon |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-opens-airspace-for-all-civilian-traffic-indian-flights-to-operate-soon/article28462590.ece |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=16 July 2019 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name="140Days">{{cite news |title=Normal air traffic resumes as India follows Pakistan, lifts ban on airspace |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-airspace-ban-lifted-normal-air-traffic-resumes-1569840-2019-07-16 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

On 5 August 2019, the [[Government of India]] [[Indian revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status|revoked]] the [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India#Autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir: Structure and limitations|special status]] granted to [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]<ref name=britannica-jammu-kashmir>{{citation|last1=Akhtar|first1=Rais|last2=Kirk|first2=William|title=Jammu and Kashmir, State, India|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir |access-date=7 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir, state of India, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent in the vicinity of the Karakoram and westernmost Himalayan mountain ranges. The state is part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947."</ref>

''The Statesman'', an Indian newspaper, reported that 18 terrorists and 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian Army launched artillery strikes on terrorist camps in Neelum valley on October 19 and 20.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/18-terrorists-killed-jem-launch-pads-destroyed-artillery-strikes-army-pok-reports-1502813337.html|title=18 terrorists killed, JeM launch pads destroyed in artillery strikes by Army in PoK: Reports|date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028153039/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/18-terrorists-killed-jem-launch-pads-destroyed-artillery-strikes-army-pok-reports-1502813337.html|archive-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> [[Mohammad Faisal]], however, said that five Pakistani civilians had died.

[[Category:Counter-terrorism]]

[[Category:History of Azad Kashmir]]