Nearly 170 JeM members were killed in India's #BalakotAirstrikes: Report
As many as 130-170 members of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit were killed in Balakot airstrikes carried out by Indian on 26 February, reveals a new report. According to a report by Italian journalist-author Francesca Marino, published in StringerAsia, the airstrikes by India on Pakistan's Balakot "immediately killed a large number of JeM cadres" in the early hours of 26 February. Here's more.
More details to come in future: Marino on Twitter
JeM also gave compensation to slain terrorists' families: Marino
"The numbers estimated have ranged from 130-170, including those who have died during treatment. Those killed included 11 trainers, ranging from bomb makers to those imparting weapons training. Two of these trainers were from Afghanistan," wrote Marino. The Italian journalist added that JeM members also went to the families of those killed to give compensation in cash to "prevent news on the fatalities leaking."
Pakistan Army arrived at the site after IAF's airstrikes
Marino, quoting sources, said that a Pakistani Army unit also arrived at the Balakot airstrike location around two-and-a-half hours after the Indian Air Force attacked the JeM camp. The Pakistani Army unit reached the site from its camp in Shinkiari, 20km from Balakot. Notably, this report comes only days after Pakistan said it was ready to take Indian journalists to the Balakot airstrike site.
45 JeM members still being treated by army doctors
"Immediately after the Army unit arrival, the injured were taken to a Harkat-ul-Mujahideen camp...in Shinkiari and treated by Pakistan Army doctors," wrote Marino. "Local sources say around 45 persons are still undergoing treatment in this camp... around 20 have died during treatment due to serious injuries. Those who have recovered are still in custody of the Army and have not been discharged," she added.
Camp cleared of traces of it being JeM camp: Marino
"The camp area is still under the control of the Army, with a Captain-rank officer of the Mujahid battalion in command... Access to the dust-track leading to the camp is still restricted, even to the local police," stated Marino. "Apart from a few children and 3-4 teachers, the camp has been cleared of any traces of it earlier being a JeM camp," she wrote.
Pakistani military earlier claimed 'no damage' caused in Balakot airstrikes
Marino's report comes only a week after the Pakistani military once again claimed that "no damage" was caused by India's Balakot airstrikes. It also asserted that Indian journalists can visit the attack site if they wish to "see the truth".
