Question: What was the code name for Balakot airstrike conducted by Indian Air Force on February 26, 2020?
(a) Operation Bandar
(b) Operation Thunder
(c) Operation Vijay
(d) Operation Vinash
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- The first anniversary of the Balakot air strikes was observed on February 26, 2020.
- The IAF-led operation mainly targeted the biggest Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camp in Balakot, which is located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
- 12 IAF’s Mirage-2000 jets were deployed in the mission to drop laser-guided bombs, which weighed about 1000 kg.
- The mission is reported to have an estimated casualty of 200-300 terrorists.
- The attack was carried out in response to the deadly Pulwama attack on February 14, 2020.
- The Pulwama suicide attack had targeted an Indian Army convoy and killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
- Pakistan-based militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) had claimed the responsibility of the attack.
- Operation Bandar was IAF’s code name for Balakot airstrike.
Links:
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=199595
https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/iaf-chief-bhadauria-to-fly-mig-21-to-srinagar-on-first-anniversary-of-balakot/story/396924.html