Top defence and government officials have informed that two weeks after the air strike in Balakot, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is on high alert and has also deployed an entire squad of F-16 fighters along its border with India. Independent American satellite imagery with the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed direct hits on the camp.
As per reports, inspite of Pakistani air space restrictions along the country borders with India, 10 Corps along with a Special Forces brigade from Sialkot of the Pakistan Army have been deployed all along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. “We have confirmed reports that PAF F-16 acquired from both US and Jordan are on high alert all along India-Pak border—from Hyderabad in Sindh to Skardu in Northern Areas. The Pak Army deployment including radars and air defence system along the LoC was strengthened immediately after the February 14 Pulwama attack as they expected Indian retaliation similar to that of the surgical strike”, said one of the officials while referring to India 2016 counter strike on terror installations within Pakistan after the terror strike on Uri the responsibility of which was also claimed by the Pakistan based terror outfit Jaiesh-e-Mohammed.
The officials have said that Pakistan immediate reaction to the February 26 strike was to intensify shelling on that day itself. According to the data which has been accumulated, the Pakistan Army targeted Sunderbani, Naushera, Poonch, Bhimber Gali and Krishnaghati sectors repeatedly through heavy mortars and 120 mm artillery guns after the air strike. There have been a total of 467 ceasefire violations in the past two months with February accounting for as many as 251. While there were 971 violations in 2017, the number rapidly increased to 2140 in 2018.
However, the officials did not disclose any details regarding the Indian deployment along the LoC but have assured that Indian military is also not taking any chances and is ready to response to any crisis.